Morgan Gibbs-White injury latest as Forest prepare for Europa League semi-final at Aston Villa | OneFootball

Morgan Gibbs-White faces a race to be fit for Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Aston Villa after sustaining a serious head injury in Monday’s Premier League win at Chelsea.

According to Nottingham Post, the midfielder suffered a heavy collision with Robert Sanchez at Stamford Bridge, leaving a deep forehead gash that required multiple stitches. Gibbs-White shared an image on social media and thanked supporters for their messages.

Head coach Vitor Pereira had initially kept him on the bench to conserve energy for Europe, then introduced him in the second half. The injury occurred around 20 minutes later. Earlier, Zach Abbott was used as a concussion substitute, but Forest still won 3-1 as Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice to move them six points clear and extend their unbeaten run to 10.

He stayed conscious, remembered the incident and spoke normally. If there is no concussion, he would not be bound by head injury protocols. There is hope the medical staff can get him ready and a protective mask could be considered at Villa Park.

Forest hold a 1-0 first-leg lead courtesy of Chris Wood’s penalty and need to avoid defeat to reach the final. They have three Premier League fixtures left, with Newcastle United at the City Ground on Sunday. The Europa League final is scheduled for Istanbul on Wednesday, May 20.

Source: Nottingham Post