Preston striker David Nugent is yet to make his second competitive debut for the club following his summer return.
North End decided to bring Nugent ‘home’ from Derby County this summer, signing him on a free transfer. At 34, he’s certainly not the player from his first Deepdale spell anymore.
In fact, the big concern with Nugent is injuries. He picked up an injury in Derby’s playoff campaign back in May, missing the playoff final. When he arrived back at Preston, Nugent joined whilst injured.
He did get 45 minutes against Fleetwood Town in pre-season, but suffered a setback in a behind-closed-doors game earlier this month.
Fans are waiting for Nugent to make his grand Deepdale return, and the may actually have a chance to play now too. Louis Moult is out for the season, Jayden Stockley is struggling and Seani Maguire is better on the left right now. Even makeshift striker Tom Barkhuizen is currently injured too.
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If Nugent can get himself fit, he may have a chance to play – and boss Neil has opened up on Nugent’s situation ahead of this weekend’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
Neil has admitted that Nugent won’t be available this weekend, but hopes to get him back up to speed during the international break. Neil added that, barring any setbacks, Nugent will come into contention after the international break and hopefully be ready to contribute for Preston after 12 years away from the club.