Nottingham Forest could be without up to ten first-team players for Thursday’s Europa League second leg at Villa Park.
- Morgan Gibbs-White suffered a deep head cut at Chelsea and requires a “miracle” to play.
- Zach Abbott sustained a concussion and is highly unlikely to clear protocols in time
- Murillo, Ola Aina, Dan Ndoye and Ibrahim Sangaré are all racing to be fit
- Four players, Hudson-Odoi, Savona, Boly and John Victor, are definitely absent for the season
Gibbs-White: The biggest question mark
The most significant and most discussed injury concern involves Forest’s captain and talisman.
Morgan Gibbs-White suffered a brutal collision with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez on Monday, requiring numerous stitches to patch a deep cut running from his nose to above his left eyebrow.
The England international posted a graphic image of the damage on social media: a thumbs-up gesture accompanying the wound that confirmed his character but did little to ease concerns about his availability.
Vitor Pereira was honest and cautious when addressing the media.
“He is a fighter and we hope for a miracle,” the Forest manager stated. “I really believe we can have him next game. I said to him, don’t head the ball, just play.”
The crucial piece of positive news is that Gibbs-White did not suffer a concussion: meaning he will not be subject to the concussion protocols that restrict a player’s return.
Nevertheless, he remains a major doubt for Thursday’s 8pm kick-off at Villa Park. His absence would remove Forest’s most dangerous creative threat entirely: a significant advantage for Emery’s side.
Abbott ruled out – Concussion protocol applies
Zach Abbott was less fortunate than his teammate following Monday’s separate clash of heads at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old right-back, who has made seven Europa League appearances this season, sustained a concussion in the collision with Chelsea debutant Jesse Derry.
Concussion protocols make his involvement on Thursday highly unlikely. Forest’s right-back options are therefore severely limited heading into the most important game of their recent history.
Forest trio all racing the clock
The injury picture extends well beyond the Chelsea casualties. Centre-back Murillo has been sidelined since April’s victory over Burnley with a hamstring problem.
Pereira hinted the Brazilian was close to returning for Chelsea, but that proved not to be the case. However, a social media post from Murillo himself has suggested he could be available for Thursday, a development that would provide significant defensive reinforcement for Pereira’s backline.
Ola Aina missed Monday’s game with an unspecified muscular issue. The right-back has reportedly told Pereira directly that he will be ready to play on Thursday: a bold personal commitment that the Portuguese manager will be counting on. Dan Ndoye and Ibrahim Sangaré are both facing late fitness tests — neither featured against Chelsea despite Pereira previously hinting at their possible involvement.
| Player | Issue | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan Gibbs-White | Deep head cut — stitches | Major doubt — “miracle” needed |
| Zach Abbott | Concussion | Highly unlikely |
| Murillo | Hamstring | Doubt — social media suggests fit |
| Ola Aina | Muscular | Doubt — promised Pereira he’ll play |
| Dan Ndoye | Unknown | Late fitness test |
| Ibrahim Sangaré | Unknown | Late fitness test |
| Callum Hudson-Odoi | Hamstring | Out for season |
| Nicolò Savona | Knee | Out for season |
| Willy Boly | Knee | Out for season |
| John Victor | Knee | Out for season |
Four definitely out. Istanbul still Forest’s target
Four players are confirmed absent for the remainder of the season. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Nicolò Savona, Willy Boly and reserve goalkeeper John Victor are all finished, though all are expected to be fit for pre-season. Their absence across both legs has been a constant factor in Forest’s selection challenges throughout this European run.
Forest’s injury situation is the most severe it has been at any point in this Europa League campaign. Up to ten first-team players potentially unavailable for the biggest game of Vitor Pereira’s tenure. Villa Park awaits. Emery’s full-strength side must take full and ruthless advantage.
