Nottingham Forest anticipates challenges from multiple injuries as they prepare for the Europa League semi-final first leg against Aston Villa at the City Ground on Thursday at 8pm. A strong performance here could provide a vital advantage before the return leg at Villa Park, with a place in next month’s final on the line.
Key Defensive Absences
Centre-back Murillo will miss the upcoming fixture due to injury. Brazilian defender Jair Cunha stands ready to step in, despite being substituted during last Friday’s 5-0 win over Sunderland. He rejoined full training on Wednesday morning, boosting hopes of his availability against Villa.
Midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré and winger Dan Ndoye skipped the main group session, opting for individual indoor work instead.
Coach Vitor Pereira’s Assessment
Head coach Vitor Pereira acknowledged the injury issues: “Some problems, as every team has in this moment. We are at the end of the season and have a lot of games. We will see.”
He added, “They are trying. The medical department are trying their best to recover everyone, but we will see which players we have. For sure, we will start with 11. And I hope we will finish with 11!”
On Jair’s condition, Pereira noted: “Our medical department are working hard to put everyone in condition to help us.”
Fixture Schedule and Murillo’s Recovery
Forest face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday, sandwiched between the Villa ties. Murillo’s suspected hamstring issue leaves his availability for that match in doubt.
“He is trying to come back as soon as possible but he is not ready for tomorrow,” Pereira explained. “He will not be long, I believe. Hopefully a few more days and he will be back. I don’t have a magic ball so I cannot predict, but I think he is recovering. We’ll see.”
Historic Opportunity
This marks Forest’s first European semi-final in 42 years. Pereira emphasized embracing the occasion: “It’s special for the players. It was a long, long road to be here and now it is about enjoying it.”
He continued, “The pressure is to be ourselves as a team, to express themselves, for the players to express their qualities on the pitch. It is about doing everything and working hard to get a good result and to play good football. This is the pressure. This is the only pressure that we can have in this moment.”
