Forest forward ruled out of Europa League clash | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira says Dan Ndoye will not be available for his side’s Europa League round of 16 first-leg match against Midtjylland.

Ndoye will be unavailable after picking up an injury, while January arrival Stefan Ortega will again be missing after he sustained a calf problem against Fenerbahce last month, and will be replaced by Matz Sels who has been added to the squad.

Pereira confirmed Jair Cunha will be available for Forest despite missing training on Wednesday, however.

“Jair is in. Dan, I believe, is out,” Pereira said. “They are not serious injuries, nothing special, but Dan cannot play tomorrow. Jair will be able to play tomorrow.

“Ortega may be a couple of matches out. Matz Sels will play tomorrow.”

After a mixed Europa League league phase campaign on their return of European football, Forest were able to dispose of Turkish side Fenerbache in the play-offs to set up a tie against Midtjylland, who defeated the Midlands side earlier in the campaign when Ange Postecoglou was in charge.

Pereira, Forest’s fourth head coach of the campaign, understands the importance of being able to fight on all fronts, especially with his side perilously close to the Premier League relegation zone.

“I need to try to balance, but try to be competitive in the next game and against Fulham,” he said. “It’s important for the players to be ready to help the team. We need to be ready to perform and understand what is needed on the pitch.

“It is never easy but we have quality in the squad. They are working hard, with good energy and trying to understand the tactical demands. We will be ready.”