Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou has now dropped a significant injury update on a key player, ahead of the trip to Real Betis next Wednesday.
Forest gearing up for European return
Forest are set to take part in their first European fixture in 30 years on Wednesday night, travelling to Spain to take on Real Betis in the Europa League, after what has been a strange start to the season.
Nuno’s departure just three games into the Premier League campaign didn’t come as much of a shock, given the 51-year-old’s comments about Evangelos Marinakis, but Ange hasn’t made the best of starts since being brought in to replace him.
The 3-0 defeat at Arsenal was perhaps to be expected, but the Australian will be disappointed to have been knocked out of the EFL Cup by Swansea City in the following game, before only being able to take a point in a 1-1 draw at Burnley on Saturday.
Despite being unable to win the match, Ange took the time to praise his side’s performance, saying: “From seven days ago from when we played Arsenal, we look a different team and we saw elements of that on Wednesday night too.”
Forest had to make do without Murillo for the trip to Turf Moor, which didn’t do them any favours, and the manager has now dropped a significant update on the defender’s fitness ahead of the trip to Real Betis.
As relayed by Nottinghamshire Live, Ange said: “He should be OK for Wednesday. He was close (to being involved at Burnley), but it makes no sense risking players. I’ve been really happy with Morato at centre-back. He’s done well. I thought he stood up.
“The good thing is we have got competition for places, and that’s what we need. But the medical team tell me he (Murillo) should be ready for Wednesday.”
"Monstrous" Murillo's return will be boost for Forest
As pointed out by Ange, Morato put in a solid display in Murillo’s absence, making four clearances and three tackles to keep Burnley at bay, but the Brazilian’s return will be a boost for Forest.
The 23-year-old, who rakes in £75k-a-week, has been nothing short of a revelation at The City Ground, receiving very high praise from journalist Ryan Taylor after catching the eye against Liverpool last season.
The Brazil international also ranks in the 94th percentile for clearances per 90, and the 95th percentile for blocks over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs.
Murillo is undoubtedly one of Forest’s top players, which is underlined by the fact he only missed two Premier League games last season, so it is good news that he is set to return for Wednesday’s game.
