Cheltenham boss Keith Downing could welcome back on-loan midfielder Alex Russell for the trip to face promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest.Russell has returned to training following hamstring and stomach injuries and Downing must now wait to see if the Bristol City player suffers any reaction before naming him in his travelling party.

Downing must also assess the fitness of Damien Spencer (knee) and full-back Alan Wright (Achilles), who have been suffering with niggling injuries.

"Alex Russell did his stint on Thursday," Downing told the club's official website. "We are waiting on Damian Spencer and Alan Wright but they are all due to train on Friday so barring any breakdowns they will be included in the squad."

The Robins will be without Michael Townsend (illness), Gavin Caines (knee) and John Finnigan (ankle), who remain long-term absentees.

They will head to the east midlands full of confidence having moved five points clear of relegation trouble courtesy of a five-game unbeaten run.

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