Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has shared the extent of the head injury that threatens his participation in Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa.
Gibbs-White's head wound revealed
The 26-year-old suffered a deep cut above his left eye during Forest's 3-1 Premier League win at Chelsea on Monday after a clash of heads with Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Forest manager Vitor Pereira confirmed the injury and admitted it would require significant work from the medical team to get Gibbs-White fit for the Villa Park showdown.
"I'm waiting," Pereira said. "Gibbs-White has a deep cut but he is a fighter and has a strong mentality. I hope our medical department can do magic to put him in condition to play. We will see."
Pereira added: "I said to him: 'You don't need to head the ball just to play'. We will see. He is speaking normally, he remembers everything. The only thing is the pain - we will see."
Gibbs-White later posted a selfie on Instagram showing the wound required several stitches, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial second leg. Forest hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg and will be desperate to have their key playmaker available.
Impact on Forest's Europa League hopes
Gibbs-White's possible absence would be a huge blow for Forest, who are aiming to reach their first European final. The midfielder has been instrumental in their run, contributing goals and assists. Pereira will hope the medical team can work their magic to have him ready.
