Nottingham Forest team news boost

Nottingham Forest have been handed a major availability boost before Saturday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa.

Oliver Glasner has confirmed that defender Nicolò Savona is the only player currently ruled out for the visitors.

Forest therefore travel to Villa Park with an otherwise strong squad as both sides search for their first Premier League victory of the season.

It adds another challenge for Unai Emery after Villa finally found some attacking rhythm during Tuesday’s 3-2 Champions League win over Club Brugge.

Oliver Glasner on Aston Villa: "They had many transfer activities, especially in their attack, but the defence is the same. They have a new goalkeeper, but also a top goalkeeper. OK, Konsa left, but also Konsa was rested a few times, so it was Lindelof, it's Mings, it's Pau…
— John Townley (@johntownley11) September 11, 2026

Nottingham Forest team news vs Aston Villa

Glasner delivered the update during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Villa Park meeting.

According to the BBC’s report of the Nottingham Forest press conference, Savona remains sidelined following complications in his recovery from a knee injury.

Glasner said the Italian had suffered “a few setbacks” but has reacted well since his rehabilitation programme was slowed down.

That leaves Forest with plenty of options elsewhere.

It is a positive development for a side still waiting for its first league win under Glasner this season.

Our look at Nottingham Forest’s difficult start before facing Aston Villa showed they have taken only two points from their opening three Premier League fixtures.

Forest have also struggled for goals, scoring twice across those matches.

However, Glasner told reporters that his squad depth remains healthy and praised the competition for places throughout his team.

That should allow him to retain the 3-4-2-1 system Aston Villa are preparing to face.

Liam Delap available for Villa Park trip

Liam Delap is among the attacking options available to Forest.

The £45million summer signing started their most recent goalless draw against Tottenham and could again lead the line at Villa Park.

We have already examined the physical threat Delap could pose Aston Villa’s centre-backs, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Dan Ndoye capable of operating around him.

Xaver Schlager has also impressed Glasner during the opening weeks of the campaign.

The Forest boss said the midfielder had made a “positive impact” after forcing his way into the team.

Villa will therefore face opponents carrying few fitness concerns into Saturday.

Emery’s own availability picture is more complicated.

The latest Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest team news has João Gomes suspended, Leon Goretzka unavailable and doubts remaining over Matty Cash and Johan Manzambi.

That contrast could become increasingly important as Saturday’s 3pm kick-off approaches.