Nottingham Forest star to miss Europa League semi-final first leg against Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest star to miss Europa League semi-final first leg against Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira has confirmed that Murillo will remain sidelined for their Europa League semi-final.

Forest will welcome Aston Villa to the City Ground in the first leg of the all-English tie. However, they could be without a number of key players.

Defender Murillo was forced off with a muscle injury earlier this month and has not yet returned to action.

“He is trying to come back as soon as possible but he is not ready for tomorrow,” Pereira said on the Brazilian centre-back. “He will not be long, I believe. Hopefully a few more days and he will be back.

“I don’t have a magic ball so I cannot predict, but I think he is recovering. We’ll see.”

Pereira’s preferred replacement for Murillo at centre-back would be his compatriot Jair Cunha. However, he is also a doubt after being forced off in Forest’s win over Sunderland last Friday. Despite this, he was involved in team training earlier today.

Asked about his availability, Pereira insisted: “Our medical department are working hard to put everyone in condition to help us.”

The Reds are at a crucial point in their season, as they continue to battle for Premier League survival and chase European glory.

On his side’s injury issues, Forest’s boss continued: “Some problems, as every team has in this moment. We are at the end of the season and have a lot of games. We will see.