Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa at Villa Park (20:00 BST). With a spot in the final on the line, the Portuguese manager faces a selection headache but insists his squad will bring the same fighting spirit regardless of the scoreline.
The big talking point is captain Morgan Gibbs-White, who was forced off during Monday's gritty win at Chelsea after a clash that required stitches. "We'll see tomorrow if he's able to play," Pereira said. "It's not a question for me—it's a decision between the player and the medical department. We have a plan with him and without him." The boss even revealed Gibbs-White may have a protective mask ready if needed, a sign of just how crucial the midfielder is to Forest's European charge.
Defender Zach Abbott, who also suffered a head clash in that same match, looks set to feature. "I think he's OK. We spoke yesterday, and he's in a good condition. He's available, I think," Pereira confirmed. But the injury list doesn't end there. When asked about star defender Murillo, the manager admitted, "I don't know. I'm trying to be honest, but I don't know. We have a lot of doubts."
Pereira was candid about the uncertainty surrounding his squad's fitness: "There are a lot of doubts. We cannot have doubts about our belief and what we want, but about the players, I have a lot." It's a familiar challenge for any manager at this stage of the season, where fatigue and knocks pile up, but the fire within the squad remains undimmed.
On how his side will approach the second leg, Pereira was clear: "I want to see my team playing without fear, trying to score and win the game. If we are winning or losing, it is exactly the same—we will go there with the same spirit to compete. I forget about the last result. We start at 0-0, and we will fight for the best result." It's a mindset that echoes through the great European comebacks, and Forest will need every ounce of that belief at a hostile Villa Park.
When asked about the magnitude of guiding Forest to a European final, Pereira kept his feet on the ground: "Tomorrow is a day to enjoy and to compete. We need to prove ourselves again. This is something to be grateful for, because we'll be in a semi-final to try and reach a final, and we are there. It's a moment to show our mental strength." For a club steeped in history, this is a chance to write a new chapter—and Pereira's men are ready to wear their hearts on their sleeves.