ange Postecoglou
Nottingham Forest are dealing with significant injury concerns as they prepare to face Sunderland at the City Ground this Saturday evening. The team has been hit with a double injury blow, with midfielder Douglas Luiz suffering a hamstring injury during their recent 2-2 draw with Real Betis in the Europa League. Additionally, Murillo is still recovering from a thigh injury, complicating Forest’s lineup decisions.
Ange Postecoglou said: “Murillo is still kind of not where we want him to be. He is still doing his individual training, and we hoped it would progress a little quicker. Obviously, it was a pretty severe knock on his thigh, and the understanding was the healing process has been slower than what we thought. He is out on the grass and he is kind of working individually so it is about incorporating him back into the team.”
Postecoglou added: “Dougie wasn’t great yesterday either. We have sent him for a scan on his hamstring, he won’t be available for this weekend. We just have got to be really careful how we use him at the early parts of the year. He obviously had a lot of issues last year at Juventus and came in late here. I think we are being cautious, but we’ll see what the scans say and if he will be available this week.”
Despite these setbacks, Nikola Milenković is expected to be available for Nottingham Forest, having only suffered from cramp in their recent match against Real Betis. He is likely to partner with Morato in central defense. Meanwhile, Sunderland is also making adjustments, with Régis Le Bris confirming that Luke O’Nien is back in contention after recovering from a dislocated shoulder. O’Nien’s return provides a boost for Sunderland, who are also dealing with Reinildo’s suspension for violent conduct.
Régis Le Bris said: “Yeah, Luke is now connected with the squad fully, so he’s an option now. Lucha [Geertruida] as well has played centre back, right back, left back, so he’s an option. We have Arthur as well, so I think for the back line, we have different options.”
Le Bris expressed confidence in his squad’s depth and versatility, noting that the team has multiple options to cover for Reinildo’s absence. The head coach is considering bringing in Arthur Masuaku or recalling Dan Ballard to adjust the defensive lineup. As both teams prepare for the upcoming clash, strategic adjustments and player fitness will be crucial in determining the outcome at the City Ground.
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