Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira remains optimistic that star midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White could feature in Thursday's crucial Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa—even if it might take a "miracle."

The 24-year-old playmaker was forced off during Monday's 3-1 Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge after a heavy collision with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Both players left the pitch with bandaged heads, but while Sanchez sported stitches at the top of his scalp, Gibbs-White's injury was more severe—a deep cut across his forehead and nose that required stitches.

Pereira, whose side carries a 1-0 aggregate lead into the Villa Park showdown, remains hopeful despite the graphic nature of the injury. "He has a deep cut, we will see, he is a fighter and we hope for a miracle," the Portuguese boss said. "I told him: Don't head the ball, just play."

The good news for Forest fans? Pereira confirmed the substitution was not concussion-related, meaning Gibbs-White isn't bound by the Premier League's strict head injury protocols. Those rules typically require a minimum 24-hour rest period followed by a six-stage return-to-play process over 48 hours. Instead, the midfielder's availability hinges solely on whether the facial wound heals in time for Thursday's clash.

Gibbs-White took to social media Monday night to thank well-wishers, sharing a photo of the stitches across his face. Sanchez responded in kind, posting his own stitched-up scalp and writing: "Seen that you came out worse than me, hope you are OK big man."

Forest's remarkable run—unbeaten in 10 matches across all competitions—has them on the cusp of a European final. But they may have to navigate the second leg without their creative heartbeat. The Villa Park atmosphere promises to be electric, and Pereira will be hoping for that miracle recovery to keep his key man on the pitch.

In other injury news from that match, Chelsea's 18-year-old debutant Jesse Derry was taken to hospital after clashing heads with Forest's Zach Abbott. The Blues confirmed he was "conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks," with the club using their one permitted concussion replacement during the game.