Morgan Gibbs-White on bench as Nottingham Forest confirm team for Aston Villa | OneFootball

Morgan Gibbs-White is in Nottingham Forest’s squad but only on the bench for tonight’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Aston Villa. According to Nottingham Post, the playmaker is available after Monday’s facial injury.

He suffered a deep forehead gash in the 3-1 win at Chelsea after colliding with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, requiring stitches. Head coach Vitor Pereira said he had a protective mask fitted on Tuesday and that a late decision would determine his involvement.

He has been cleared to be involved at Villa Park. It is a lift as Forest chase a place in the final. They lead 1-0 from the first leg, via Chris Wood’s penalty, though Pereira has told his squad that advantage counts for nothing tonight.

Forest are unbeaten in 10 in all competitions and their top-flight survival is virtually secured. They want a shot at silverware but know the West Midlands test will be demanding.

Ola Aina is not in the squad, while Murillo, Ibrahim Sangare and Dan Ndoye are among the substitutes. Starting XI: Stefan Ortega in goal, a back four of Neco Williams, Nikola Milenkovic, Morato and Jair, with Nicolas Dominguez and Elliot Anderson in midfield. Omari Hutchinson, Igor Jesus and James McAtee support Wood. The bench also includes Sels, Willows, Lucca, Yates, Bakwa, Whitehall, Sinclair and Hanks.

Source: Nottingham Post