Vitor Pereira
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Nottingham Forest is currently navigating a challenging period as they prepare to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The team is dealing with a series of injuries that have impacted their squad depth and performance. With the club only two points above the relegation zone, the upcoming match against the title-chasing Manchester City has become even more daunting.
Vitor Pereira said: “Ortega got an injury. I think he will be out for a few more days. We had a conversation with Sels and tried to explain we needed him in this moment, even though he needed more days to be fit and be in shape. But he is a leader and a person with strong character. He wanted to help the team and he decided to accept the challenge. Between me, him and the medical department we decided to take the risk to play the game.”
Stefan Ortega, who sustained a calf injury during a recent match against Fenerbahce, was unable to participate in the game against Brighton. Matz Sels, despite not being fully fit, was deemed a necessary risk to play in Ortega’s absence. This decision underscores the urgency and pressure on the team to perform amidst a packed fixture schedule.
Pereira said: “I think (today, Tuesday) is the surgery. He needs to have surgery. I really don’t know (if he’ll play again this season). After the surgery they (the medical staff) will say something and will inform us, but it is difficult.”
Nicolo Savona is set to undergo knee surgery, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season. His absence adds to the defensive woes for Forest, who are already struggling with a depleted backline.
Sean Dyche previously said: “He’s going to be out for a while. It’s an unfortunate one. We weren’t sure how serious it was when he did it at Villa. It was serious enough to keep him out for a while.”
John Victor, another key player, has been sidelined following knee surgery. His injury, sustained during a match against Aston Villa, has left a gap in the goalkeeping department, prompting the club to sign Stefan Ortega from Manchester City.
Dyche had said of Boly: “He’s injured. We took him out of the squad because we have got to bring a freshness to it. I spoke to him at length. He’s a brilliant fella and a brilliant pro, without a shadow of a doubt. He knows, he understands. It’s his knee, he was struggling a bit with it but was getting on with it and seeing if he could take it further. It’s just too much at the minute so he’s recovering from that. But he’s been great and is a top pro.”
Willy Boly, who has not played since September, is recovering from a knee injury. With his contract set to expire in the summer, there is speculation that he may have played his last game for the club.
Pereira said: “I hope he will recover as soon as possible because he is very important for us. I don’t know exactly when he can return. He said at the time: ‘I hope so. He is recovering. I hope so because he is important for us.'”
Chris Wood, who has been struggling with a knee issue since the October international break, is another significant absentee. He recently underwent surgery and is working towards recovery, although his return date remains uncertain.
The injury crisis at Nottingham Forest has put immense pressure on the squad as they face a crucial period in their season. With key players sidelined, the team must find a way to navigate the challenges ahead and secure vital points to avoid relegation.
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