Vitor Pereira
As Nottingham Forest prepares for a pivotal week of fixtures, head coach Vitor Pereira is grappling with a series of injury setbacks that could impact the team’s performance. With the final international break on the horizon, Pereira has a limited window to address these challenges before facing FC Midtjylland in the Europa League and a crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Vitor Pereira said: “Jair had something with his foot. I don’t know the problem. It was a pity because we had to make a sub after five minutes. We had prepared the game to play with him but it was not possible. With Jair or without him, we must be ready to fight again.”
Jair Cunha’s foot injury has been a cause for concern after he limped off early in the match against Midtjylland. Despite being cleared to play, the Brazilian’s injury forced an early substitution, and he was absent from the squad in the subsequent draw against Fulham. Pereira’s comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding Cunha’s availability for upcoming matches.
Vitor Pereira said: “Ortega may be a couple of matches out.”
Stefan Ortega, who joined from Manchester City, is also sidelined with a calf injury sustained during a Europa League play-off. Pereira’s statement suggests that Ortega’s absence could extend for a few more matches, leaving Forest to rely on Matz Sels, who was reinstated to the squad.
Pereira has said: “He had his surgery.”
Nicolo Savona underwent knee surgery following a decision to address his lingering issue through an operation. His absence since the win over Brentford in January raises questions about his return this season.
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’s knee injury, suffered during a match against Aston Villa, has ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Dyche’s earlier remarks underscore the severity of the injury, which prompted Forest to secure Ortega’s services as a replacement.
Sean Dyche had said: “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 featured since September, is dealing with a knee injury that could mark the end of his tenure with the club, as his contract expires in the summer.
Vitor 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.”
Chris Wood, another key player, is recovering from knee surgery after experiencing setbacks during his rehabilitation. Pereira emphasized Wood’s importance to the team, while Wood himself provided updates on his recovery progress.
Chris Wood said: “It’s been not a nice time, injuries isn’t great. The manner of the injury has not been perfect because we’ve tried different things and had setbacks and having to go down different routes of surgery and things like that, so, it’s not been smooth sailing. It’s frustrating not being able to help the team, especially when I’m watching on the sidelines and things like that and knowing I could potentially help if I was involved. But I’ve got to make sure I get myself right, get myself ready, so I can then help the team when I get back and fit.”
The absence of these players presents a significant challenge for Pereira as he navigates Forest through critical fixtures. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome these injuries will be crucial in their quest for survival in the Premier League and progress in the Europa League.
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