Forest coach Vitor Pereira is sweating on the fitness of key defenders ahead of historic Europa League semi-final clash with Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest have been left managing a mounting defensive crisis following their 5-0 dismantling of Sunderland, with centre-back Jair Cunha becoming the latest casualty ahead of a landmark European semi-final.
The Reds enjoyed a night of encouraging offensive brilliance at the Stadium of Light on Friday and they are currently five points clear of the relegation zone with just four matches remaining.
While the 0-5 rout featured a dominant first-half display, the evening was marred by the withdrawal of Jair, who left the pitch in visible pain clutching his shoulder just five minutes after the restart.
Coach Vítor Pereira admitted his concern following the match, noting that losing multiple players in the same tactical position is a “big problem” at this stage of the campaign.
“We will see,” he said. “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.”
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Jair had been drafted into the starting XI to replace fellow Brazilian Murillo, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue sustained during the recent 4-1 victory over Burnley.
Morato on standby as Forest face defensive reshuffle
The injury to Jair forced an early introduction for Felipe Morato, who is now in line to start at the City Ground on Thursday should his teammates fail late fitness tests.
The former Benfica man provided a steady presence in the North East, helping Forest secure their first clean sheet in three matches, but the lack of bulk in the squad remains a major worry for the coaching staff.
The timing of the crisis is particularly unfortunate given the calibre of the opposition, with Unai Emery’s side boasting one of the most prolific attacks in the division. Pereira noted that while he is “not a doctor,” the muscular nature of Murillo’s injury makes a quick return unlikely.
“I think it will be more than one game,” he noted.
The loss of both Brazilian centre-backs simultaneously would represent a significant blow to a team that has been solid at the back during their current seven-game unbeaten streak.
Kick-off in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first-leg clash against Aston Villa is set for 20:00 local time (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). Both clubs share a prestigious continental pedigree, having each won the European Cup in the early 1980s, but this encounter marks the first time the local rivals have met on the European stage.
