Forest boss Joe Kinnear said: "I had to act quickly to get Paul (Gerrard) in because Wardy has got to go in for an operation on his spine and he's not likely to be available again until the early part of next season,"
Gerrard made an impressive debut against Crewe on Saturday and looks set to keep Barry Roche on the substitute's bench for the remainder of the season.
Marlon King's two goals lifted the Reds three points clear of the drop zone with a tough trip to Sheffield United coming next for Kinnear's men.