Vitor Pereira
Nottingham Forest’s recent 4-1 victory over Burnley at the City Ground has provided them with a five-point cushion above the relegation zone. However, the team is now grappling with significant injury concerns. Key defender Murillo had to leave the field shortly before half-time against Burnley and has been ruled out of the upcoming match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Additionally, his participation in next Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Aston Villa is doubtful, although he is expected to return before the season ends.
Vitor Pereira said: “He is out. We will see. It is a muscle injury. I’m not a doctor, I cannot predict, but he will be out tomorrow. I think it will be more than one game.”
Adding to Forest’s woes, winger Callum Hudson-Odoi underwent surgery following an injury sustained during last week’s Europa League win over Porto. He is set to miss the remainder of the season.
Vitor Pereira said: “He is OK after the surgery.”
On a positive note, Dan Ndoye, who missed the previous match, is fit and ready to return to action against Sunderland.
Vitor Pereira said: “Dan will be in condition to go to the game. That is good news for us. Now, he is better and can play tomorrow. He can help us tomorrow because he is on the list.”
Despite these challenges, Nottingham Forest remains focused on their upcoming fixtures. Sunderland, currently 11th in the table, will not be an easy opponent, especially on their home turf. Pereira acknowledged the strength and consistency of Sunderland’s performances this season, emphasizing the importance of Forest’s mental and physical readiness.
Vitor Pereira said: “They are having a very good season. They have 10 points more than us, which means something – it means they are playing with a consistency. When they play at home, they feel the energy of their supporters. But this is about us. I respect them (Sunderland) a lot; they have a strong team and a good manager. But it is not about them, it is about us and what we have here (mentally) and what we have inside of us to give tomorrow.”
With critical matches on the horizon, Nottingham Forest must navigate these injury setbacks while maintaining their momentum in the league and European competitions.
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