Playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White has been ruled out of Nottingham Forest’s Europa League clash with Malmo on Thursday night due to an injury issue. This setback adds to an already significant list of absentees for head coach Sean Dyche, including key players such as striker Chris Wood, midfielder Douglas Luiz, winger Dilane Bakwa, and full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Gibbs-White recently found form, scoring in Forest’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool. However, his absence against Malmo will be felt by the team. Dyche expressed hope that the issue is not serious and that Gibbs-White will recover quickly.
In Gibbs-White’s absence, James McAtee is likely to step into the attack for the crucial Europa League clash. Other players like Taiwo Awoniyi, who did individual running in training, and long-term absentee Ola Aina were also not part of the group session. Goalkeepers Angus Gunn and Aaron Bott have been sidelined recently as well.
Dyche highlighted the opportunity for squad players to step up and prove themselves in the absence of key figures. He emphasized the importance of players seizing the chance to make their mark and exhibit their readiness to contribute to the team.
The upcoming game against Malmo holds special significance as it is a repeat of the 1979 European Cup final, which Forest famously won with Trevor Francis scoring the decisive goal. Forest plans to commemorate this historic occasion with a special ‘One Night in 79’ celebration, with many living players from the final set to attend, along with the families of those who have passed away.
Reflecting on the historic moment, Dyche recalled the goal scored by Francis and the memories associated with that triumph. He mentioned personal connections to individuals involved in that era, highlighting the significance of the club in honoring its rich history and achievements.
As Nottingham Forest prepares to face Malmo in a significant European encounter, the team aims to draw inspiration from their past glories and deliver a performance that pays tribute to the club’s illustrious history.
