Nottingham Forest are keeping their fingers crossed for a "miracle" as they hope to have Morgan Gibbs-White available for Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa. The attacking midfielder suffered a nasty gash on his forehead following a collision with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez during Forest's impressive 3-1 Premier League win at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
Both players were forced off the pitch with bandaged heads, but Forest boss Vitor Pereira remains optimistic about Gibbs-White's chances of featuring in the crucial European tie at Villa Park. "He has a deep cut, we will see, he is a fighter and we hope for a miracle," Pereira said. "We'll see what happens. I really believe we can have him next game. I said to him: Don't head the ball, just play."
The 24-year-old midfielder, who has been instrumental in Forest's remarkable season, took to social media on Monday night to thank well-wishers, posting a photo showing the stitches across his forehead and nose. Sanchez also shared an image of his own stitches, writing: "Seen that you came out worst than me, hope you are OK big man."
Fortunately for Forest, Pereira confirmed that Gibbs-White's substitution was not concussion-related, meaning he avoids the strict return-to-play protocols that would likely rule him out. Instead, his availability hinges solely on whether the cut heals in time for Thursday's showdown. Forest carry a narrow 1-0 lead into the second leg, having been unbeaten in 10 matches across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's 18-year-old debutant Jesse Derry was taken to hospital after a clash of heads with Forest's Zach Abbott, with the Blues confirming he was "conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks." The incident saw Chelsea use a concussion replacement, a dispensation allowed under Premier League rules that doesn't count toward normal substitution limits.
As Forest prepare for their biggest European night in decades, all eyes will be on Gibbs-White's recovery. For fans gearing up for the match, make sure you're repping the famous Garibaldi red with our latest Nottingham Forest gear—perfect for cheering on the team from the stands or your living room.