Vitor Pereira
Nottingham Forest is grappling with a significant injury crisis as they prepare for a pivotal Premier League match against Chelsea. The team is already missing several key players, including centre-backs Murillo and Jair Cunha, wingers Dan Ndoye and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and midfielder Ibrahim Sangare. The situation has left the squad particularly vulnerable in the full-back position, with Ola Aina’s fitness now a major concern. Manager Pereira is hopeful that Aina, a crucial player for the team, will recover in time for Monday’s showdown at Stamford Bridge.
Vitor Pereira said: “I said to him: ‘Aina, I’m sorry, but in this moment it’s impossible to be injured.’ I told him, at the end of the season, you can be injured, you can go do what you want, but now it is impossible because we don’t have (options). He said to me: ‘I promise you, I will be in condition (to play).’ I hope!”
Vitor Pereira continued: “I don’t know,” when asked whether any of his walking wounded might return for the Bank Holiday fixture. “I’m trying to be honest, because I don’t know. I really don’t know. I must wait three days and I hope they give me good news about the injured players because we need them. We had bad luck to lose two wingers, in Callum and Dan. We had bad luck to lose two centre-backs, in Murillo and Jair. And Sangare.”
Vitor Pereira added: “But at the end of the day, this is a big chance for the players who are working hard (in training) to have the opportunity to play and to prove themselves. They still have work to do to finish this season in style, however. They face a tough semi-final second leg at Villa Park while top-flight survival is not yet secured.”
The injury woes come at a critical juncture for Forest as they are five points clear of the relegation zone with four matches remaining. Pereira is acutely aware of the challenges ahead, including the quick turnaround between the Chelsea fixture and an important match at Villa Park. Despite the setbacks, he remains focused on preparing his team for what he describes as their “Champions League” game against Chelsea.
Pereira emphasized the importance of having fully fit players available, stating that it is crucial for the team to give their all on the pitch. The manager is relying on updates from the club’s medical department and is hopeful for positive news regarding the injured players.
As Forest approaches this crucial encounter, the team must navigate their injury crisis while maintaining their fight for Premier League survival. The upcoming match against Chelsea is not just another fixture; it is a decisive battle that could shape the remainder of their season.
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