Latest Nottingham Forest news as Vitor Pereira's Reds lose 1-0 at home to Liverpool in Premier League clash
05:00, 23 Feb 2026
Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira
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Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira(Image: PA)
Vitor Pereira is hopeful striker Chris Wood can still play a key role in Nottingham Forest’s fight for survival.
New Zealand international Wood has been sidelined since October with a knee injury that required surgery. As last season’s top scorer for the Reds, his absence has been sorely felt amid the team’s issues at the top end of the pitch.
Summer signing Igor Jesus has found the back of the net only twice in the Premier League and winter window addition Lorenzo Lucca has struggled to make a significant impact. Taiwo Awoniyi, meanwhile, was not even on the bench for Pereira’s first home game in charge.
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The Portuguese’s City Ground bow rather summed up one of the key problems he will need to find a solution for in order to keep Forest away from trouble. The hosts dominated against Liverpool and had 18 efforts at goal but suffered a 1-0 defeat courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister’s very late winner.
Wood recently said he had been given the green light to step up his recovery. His return cannot come soon enough for the Reds.
Asked if the 34-year-old is likely to feature again this term, head coach Pereira said: “I hope so. He is recovering. I hope so because he is important for us.”
Jesus has started Pereira’s first two games at the helm and got on the scoresheet in last Thursday’s 3-0 play-off first leg win over Fenerbahce. The Brazilian has seven goals in the Europa League but hasn’t been able to repeat those heroics domestically.
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“Very different skills,” Pereira said of Jesus, in comparison to Wood. “In my opinion, Igor played a fantastic game in Istanbul. It was difficult for him (against Liverpool) because he faced two difficult centre-backs.
“He is a different player (to Wood) and has different qualities. But he is a very good player. He will score goals, for sure.”
Being beaten by Arne Slot’s side means Forest are two points above the relegation zone with 11 games to go. It is likely to be a nervy finish to the campaign but Pereira is confident of finishing above the dreaded dotted line.
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“Of course,” he said, when asked whether he believes the Reds will stay up. “Very confident.
“I’m frustrated (with the result) but very confident. If we keep this mentality, this ambition and this organisation, we will get points for sure.”
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