As Nottingham Forest approaches a pivotal final-day encounter against Chelsea, the team is grappling with several injury concerns. Currently sitting seventh in the Premier League table, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side is just one point shy of the Champions League spots. The match at the City Ground promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an incredible season for the Reds. Here is a detailed look at the injury situation affecting Forest as they prepare for this crucial match.
Nuno Espirito Santo said: “The information we have is that at least five days he has to be there (in hospital) on observation, if everything goes well. He is in good hands and his family are there, which is what he really needs. The players are constantly chatting on the groups. We know that he is well. He just needs time. I hope that next week he can join us and be around, because he’s a wonderful boy. This season has been so hard on him so we just feel so sorry for him. He had surgery. The surgery went well, thank God, so he is on observation now. He’s recovering.”
Taiwo Awoniyi, the Reds’ striker, is recovering from a serious abdominal injury sustained during a collision with a post in a recent match against Leicester City. Despite playing on after the incident, Awoniyi was visibly struggling. Forest remains hopeful that the Nigerian forward will be well enough to at least attend the game against Chelsea.
Taiwo Awoniyi wrote: “This season has been one of the most difficult of my career but through it all, I have felt the love. With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits. To my teammates, coaches, staff and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes, seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say. Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games, keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love. To my family, friends and football fans, thank you for the support, and to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me and left kind words, thank you. I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover. Come on you Reds.”
Murillo, another key player, faced a scare during Forest’s recent victory over West Ham United. After returning from a hamstring issue, the defender required treatment for an ankle injury sustained during an attacking corner. Despite initial concerns, Murillo managed to complete the match and is expected to be available for the upcoming clash with Chelsea.
Murillo said: “Initially I heard the pop in my ankle and told the doctors I couldn’t go on. But luckily we were close to half-time so they were able to analyse the situation calmly throughout half-time. I spoke to the doctors and said, OK, if I don’t feel anything in the first 10 minutes (of the second half), then it’s OK, I’ll carry on playing. In the end, I was OK and the ankle is fine as well.”
Nuno Espirito Santo remains optimistic about Murillo’s recovery, emphasizing the importance of player recovery and preparation for the next match.
Eric da Silva Moreira, a young defender, has been sidelined due to an injury sustained while representing Germany Under-19s. Although he was included on the bench for Forest’s match against Aston Villa, he has not featured since then.
Nuno Espirito Santo said: “He got injured with the Germany Under-19 national team, in their second game. He has been out for two or three weeks now.”
As Nottingham Forest gears up for their decisive match against Chelsea, the team is hopeful that their injured players will recover in time to contribute to what could be a historic finish to the season.
