Nottingham Forest host Aston Villa in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final this week
Nottingham Forest defender Jair Cunha receives treatment for an injury against Sunderland(Image: Getty)
Nottingham Forest and opponents Aston Villa both have injury concerns to contend with ahead of this week’s Europa League semi-final.
The first leg of the last-four tie between the Premier League rivals will take place at the City Ground on Thursday (8pm kick-off). The Reds will then travel to Villa Park for the second leg the following week.
It promises to be a fascinating match-up between two sides with rich European heritage. For Forest head coach Vitor Pereira, some key selection decisions loom.
The Portuguese’s hand may be forced, to some extent, when it comes to picking his starting XI. His defensive options, in particular, could be hampered by injuries.
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Centre-back Jair Cunha was forced off in the second half of last Friday’s 5-0 thumping of Sunderland. The Brazilian appeared to be in pain when he left the pitch clutching his arm.
Pereira said afterwards: “We will see. I am concerned about this because if we lose players in the same position at this time, it is a big problem.
“I hope. We will see. I am not a doctor, so we will see.”
Prior to Jair’s injury, Murillo was already expected to miss out on this week’s clash. He did not travel to the Stadium of Light after pulling up during the 4-1 win over Burnley.
“We will see. It is a muscle injury,” Pereira said before the game against the Black Cats.
“I’m not a doctor, I cannot predict, but he will be out (against Sunderland). I think it will be more than one game.”
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Forest have also been hit by the loss of Callum Hudson-Odoi. The winger recently underwent thigh surgery and will play no further part this term.
Full-back Nicolo Savona and goalkeeper John Victor (both knee) have also seen their seasons ended early. Centre-back Willy Boly has almost certainly played his last game for the club having sustained a knee problem and been left out of the Europa and Premier League squads for the second half of the campaign.
Villa have some injury concerns, too. Midfielder Amadou Onana missed his team’s 1-0 defeat to Fulham after he felt pain in his knee during training prior to the trip to London.
After the match, boss Unai Emery said Onana would be monitored day to day. He was unsure whether the player would be fit for Thursday.
Boubacar Kamara remains a long-term absentee for Villa. Meanwhile, Ross Barkley and Alysson were not included in the European squad for the knockout stages.
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