Recovery will be key for Nottingham Forest as they face a quick turnaround from Wednesday night’s Europa League draw away to Real Betis.
Shortly after their return from Spain, the Reds are in action again as their focus reverts to the Premier League. Sunderland are the visitors to the City Ground on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off) for Ange Postecoglou’s first home game in charge.
Forest will hope defender Nikola Milenkovic and midfielder Douglas Luiz will be fit to take on the Black Cats. The former came off late on in the 2-2 draw with Betis due to cramp, while Luiz was withdrawn at half-time as a precautionary measure.
“It was just cramp,” Postecoglou said of Milenkovic. “Douglas Luiz had a bit of hamstring soreness at half-time, so we took him off as a precaution.
“They were very taxing conditions for the lads. We’re going to have to do some really strong recovery with them because we’ve got a game on Saturday. Aside from those two, I don’t think there’s anyone who has come out with anything too significant.”
Postecoglou had opted to start Igor Jesus ahead of Chris Wood up front in Seville. The Brazilian repaid the head coach’s faith by scoring a quickfire brace in the first half.
The visitors had fallen behind in the 13th minute of their opening European fixture but had turned the game around before the break. However, they were punished for not taking opportunities to extend their lead as Antony equalised for the hosts in the dying minutes.
“I just felt it was going to be a good game for Igor,” Postecoglou said of his selection decision. “Nothing against Woody, it was just that having the ability to run beyond was going to help us. Igor has that, but he is also a good finisher. He has shown that already.
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“He is such a willing worker but he has quality to back that up. He has settled in really quickly. I am pleased that he got his goals but we will still need Woody. He is a big part of this team.
“It was a better fit for Igor tonight, because I know how much space beyond you can get, if you work hard. I thought he got rewards for his hard work.”
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[SRC] https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/nottingham-forest-nikola-milenkovic-betis-10525207.amp
