Nottingham Forest Weigh Gibbs-White Availability Ahead Of Europa League Semi-final

Nottingham Forest carry a 1-0 advantage into Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Villa Park, yet Vitor Pereira says a decision on Morgan Gibbs-White’s fitness will be delayed until close to kick-off, as Forest attempt to move within one match of another European trophy.

Chris Wood’s successful penalty at the City Ground in the first meeting earned Forest that slender lead against Aston Villa. Pereira insists Forest will travel with an attacking mindset, knowing a draw is enough on aggregate but also aware Villa have been strong at home this season.

Forest aim to reach a third major European showpiece, following European Cup triumphs in 1978-79 and 1979-80. The club have progressed from 12 of their last 13 two-legged knockout ties after winning the first leg, the only slip coming against Anderlecht in the 1983-84 UEFA Cup semi-final.

The Tricky Trees also hold an impressive record against English opponents in European competition. Forest are unbeaten in three such fixtures, with two wins and one draw, and have not conceded in any of those matches. Their only previous European away game in England finished 0-0 at Liverpool in the 1978-79 European Cup.

Morgan Gibbs-White was hurt during Forest’s win over Chelsea on Monday, suffering a head injury after a clash with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez that needed stitches. Medical staff have since monitored the playmaker, and Pereira has prepared tactical plans that include Gibbs-White starting and alternative options if participation is refused.

We'll see. We'll see tomorrow [Thursday], if he's able to play or not, said Pereira. It is not a question for me, it's a decision between the player and medical department. We will have a last meeting to decide. We have a plan with him and without him.

On the second leg itself, Pereira added: 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.

Its a moment to show our mentality, that we are resilient and that we can compete from the first minute until the last minute in a fantastic atmosphere. I just want to be proud of my players, supporters and myself.