Another option is left-back Luke Shaw, who has impressed when used centrally this season.
The England international has missed recent matches through injury but could return against Forest alongside midfielder Scott McTominay.
Top scorer Marcus Rashford is out with an apparent groin injury, joining Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek.
Ten Haag underlined the importance of the players in the squad in his pre-match press conference.
He said, “Every game is a fight, every game is a fight and you have to be ready for that fight.”
“We have a squad. I have said that we have had more than 11 starters all season. So now other players are playing and when it is their time you have to show up and contribute to the team.