Nottingham Forest suffer injury concerns despite Europa League progress

Nottingham Forest head coach Vítor Pereira has expressed cautious optimism after his side’s Europa League victory over FC Porto, despite emerging concerns over three potential injuries.

Forest secured their place in the semi-finals of the competition with a 1–0 win on the night and a 2–1 aggregate triumph at the City Ground, courtesy of a decisive strike from Morgan Gibbs-White.

The result sets up a semi-final meeting with Premier League rivals Aston Villa, but attention quickly turned to the fitness of key players after a physically demanding encounter.

Striker Chris Wood, defender Murillo and winger Callum Hudson-Odoi all appeared to pick up injuries during the match, raising concerns ahead of a crucial run-in.

Hudson-Odoi, who was forced off in the second half and later seen on crutches, appeared the most serious concern. Wood was withdrawn early after a heavy challenge from Jan Bednarek, who was subsequently shown a red card following a VAR review by referee Danny Makkelie.

Murillo also left the field late on as Forest managed their squad through a demanding European fixture schedule.

Speaking after the match on TNT Sports, Pereira provided an initial update on the trio.

“Only Callum was a muscular injury. We don’t know. The other two I think they will recover,” he said.

Forest’s manager has had to carefully balance fitness and rotation as the club continue their push in Europe while also fighting to secure Premier League safety. They face a crucial domestic fixture against Burnley on Sunday.

Despite the setbacks, Pereira praised his squad’s spirit and commitment.

“I have a fantastic team, it’s not about the manager. They have the spirit, character and quality,” he said. “They deserve it. The club and the supporters deserve it.

“We need to suffer together and we need to feel proud at the end of a game — proud of the supporters and of the result on the pitch.”