Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira has expressed hope that the club's medical team can work 'magic' to have Morgan Gibbs-White fit for Thursday's crucial Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa. Gibbs-White was forced off during Forest's 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday after a collision with Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Gibbs-White's Impact Off the Bench
The in-form English midfielder started the match on the bench but was introduced at half-time. He made an immediate impact, setting up Taiwo Awoniyi's second goal as Forest secured a vital three points in their Premier League survival battle. However, his evening was cut short in the 66th minute following the clash with Sanchez, which left him bandaged and bleeding as he left the pitch.
Pereira's Update on the Injury
Speaking after the match, Pereira provided an update on Gibbs-White's condition. 'I'm waiting, I'm not a doctor,' the Forest boss said. 'Gibbs-White has a deep cut. We'll see but he's a fighter, he has a strong mentality. I hope our medical department can do magic to put him in condition because he's important for us. I said to him you don't need to use the head just to play but we'll see.'
When asked whether Gibbs-White might have to follow concussion protocols, Pereira clarified: 'I think not because I had a conversation with him. He's speaking normally and remembers everything. The only thing is to look for the face and the pain because he has pain now. We'll see.'
Forest's Premier League Survival Boost
Monday's win moved Forest six points clear of 18th-place West Ham with only two games remaining. Despite the improved position, Pereira insisted his side will not lose focus until Premier League safety is secured. 'Now we have nine points to get,' he added. 'Nine points to win, three games. The idea is to start the game every time with three points on our mind to get from the game. I know my team and my players and this is the spirit that they started [with] today to get the three points to be ready for the next battle.'
Forest now turn their attention to Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa, with Gibbs-White's availability a major talking point. The midfielder has been a key performer for Forest this season, and his potential absence would be a significant blow to their European ambitions.
