Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Stephen Henderson to miss several months after rupturing achilles

Nottingham Forest manager Gary Brazil has confirmed Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Stephen Henderson will miss several months after suffering a serious achilles injury.

 

Henderson suffered the injury during Forest's 5-1 defeat at the hands of Norwich City on Saturday, while trying to save a shot from Wes Hoolahan that ended in the net, and was stretchered off with oxygen being administered.

 

The former Aston Villa goalkeeper previously suffered a long-term shoulder injury while on loan at Bournemouth from West Ham United, and a repeat shortly after signing for Forest in 2015.

 

“It’s not good news unfortunately,” manager Gary Brazil told the club's official website.

 

“He has had a scan this morning [Monday] and there is a problem with his Achilles that is being operated on today.

 



“It looks like we have probably lost him for the rest of the season and that is really disappointing considering how well he has played over the last few weeks and how important he has been for us.

 

“The rehab will start straight away and he is in really good hands but we still have Vlad who has played a lot this season so we are lucky to have such a strong back-up.

 

“As much as we are going to miss Stephen it gives the others an opportunity.”

 



His uncle Dave, a former Bohemians and St Patrick's Athletic goalkeeper, added that he is expected to miss six to eight months as he recovers from his latest long-term injury.

 

 

 

 

The 28-year-old Dubliner has played for his country through all the age grades up to under-21 level and has been part of senior squads under Giovanni Trapattoni and Martin O'Neill.

 

Henderson comes from a goalkeeping dynasty that also includes his father, Stephen, who is currently manager of Cobh Ramblers, and grandfather Paddy, who played with Shamrock Rovers in the 50s.

 

His uncle and agent, Wayne, made six senior appearances for Ireland in a playing career that saw spells with Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Preston North End.