Carlos Miguel has opened up on his injury frustrations as he watches Nottingham Forest chase the Champions League and FA Cup.
The Brazilian goalkeeper has been sidelined for almost a month with a hamstring injury he suffered in the Reds’ FA Cup victory over Exeter City.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo had stated Miguel would be his first-choice goalkeeper in the FA Cup this season before his injury, but the 26-year-old was forced to watch as Matz Sels was the hero in their penalty shootout win against Ipswich Town in midweek, as Forest reached the quarter-finals.
It is unclear if Nuno will turn to Miguel for the last-eight tie against Brighton on March 29 if he is fit again, or if Sels will now keep his place.
Miguel has also played second fiddle to Sels in the Premier League this season, with Forest in third place in the table with 11 matches left to play.
Speaking to CNN Brasil about his injury recovery, Miguel said: “I would have liked to have helped on the pitch, as I did in the first two matches, but from the sidelines, I sent good vibes and cheered for my teammates. I know that what awaits me is much greater. Good things are yet to come.
“This injury that I suffered serves as a learning experience for me, as an incentive for me to make every good moment something unique and special. I am not used to, and will not get used to, being out of games, especially not decisive ones.
“I am recovering, and I know that when the time is right, I will be in my place, playing my best for Forest.”
Forest beat Ipswich 5-4 on penalties thanks to Sels saving the Tractor Boys’ fifth penalty.
Miguel added: “We deserved it, everyone at the club is very committed. We have reached the quarter-final and I’m sure that we are capable of fighting for the title.
“Game by game, with respect for our opponents and focused on the work, that is how we continue.”
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