Nottingham Forest have had good luck with injuries this season, but the latest news on Ola Aina will have left Nuno Espirito Santo scrambling for answers.
Aina was spotted with crutches in the changing room after coming off injured against Manchester United on Tuesday, sparking fear in the Reds fan base.
The Forest squad has managed to remain practically unscathed in the push for Champions League football, but Aina’s injury and Chris Wood picking up a knock on New Zealand duty have left Espirito Santo potentially worried about the fitness of his side for the run-in.
Since Aina limped off, this concern has spiralled until Espirito Santo confirmed Aina will be out for a while in his preview for the Aston Villa game. With eight games to go, the Forest manager will need to come up with a solution to solve Aina’s absence, here are three potential options.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Neco Williams returns to right-back role
After Neco Williams played at left back against Ipswich Town in November, the Welshman has made the position his own despite previously plying his trade on the right.
This meant that Alex Moreno was dropped from the starting XI, but could slot comfortably back in at left back whilst Williams fills in for the absent Aina.
Moreno was superb when he came on against United on Tuesday so if Espirito Santo wishes to maintain a similar system in the absence of Aina, utilising the Spaniard and switching Williams to the other side looks to be the best bet.
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Morato returns to form a three-at-the-back system
Brazilian defender, Morato, has been a trusty option for Espirito Santo to turn to when Forest are looking to see out a result, but he could well be used from the start in a slightly tweaked system.
Morato has impressed Espirito Santo in training this season so would be comfortable to slot into the side, something he has already done successfully this campaign in the 7-0 victory over Brighton.
Statistic Morato vs Brighton
Pass accuracy 76%
Clearances 11
Duels won 4
Fouls committed 0
Morato in the 7-0 win over Brighton
As a defensive unit, the squad would be just as strong with Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo and Morato in a back three which would comfort the Forest coaching staff, but the change in shape may mean that another, less orthodox approach is required.
Anthony Elanga could excel as a right wing-back
Anthony Elanga produced speeds comparable to Usain Bolt when he raced through on goal to score Forest’s winner against United, pace that could be adapted to flourish from a slightly deeper role.
In a scenario where Morato is brought into a solid back-three formation, Williams could continue on the left as a wing-back, with Elanga used as a late attacking runner from deep on the right.
The Swede’s tenacity has allowed him to become a fairly solid defender for Forest, completing 70.6% of his tackles on average whilst also winning a respectable 45% of his duels per game in the Premier League.
It wouldn’t be the most natural solution, but Elanga threatening from deep could suit Espirito Santo’s counterattacking style, especially against sides who push the Reds back with possession.