Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White hoping to face Aston Villa in mask after facial injury

Nottingham Forest are preparing to make a late call on Morgan Gibbs-White with the possibility the midfielder could face Villa in a protective mask.

The former Wolves man is a major doubt for Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg after suffering a gruesome facial injury in Monday’s win at Chelsea.

Gibbs-White required stitches following a collision with goalkeeper Roberto Sanchez.

Speaking on Wednesday, Forest boss Vitor Pereira said he had not given up hope of the 26-year-old being involved at Villa Park.

The visitors hold a 1-0 lead from last week’s first leg.

Pereira said: “He is in pain but we will see tomorrow if he is able to play.

“A decision between the player, the medical department and myself will decide his involvement but that hasn’t happened yet.

“I honestly hope he can play and he can help us tomorrow. But if not we’ll have someone else in there who will try to be the best player on the pitch.

“We’re waiting for training to decide if it’s worth the risk but one day can make the difference. We will see.

“If Morgan cannot play we will still start with 11 and we’ll be ready for this match. I think yesterday he went to have a mask made in case he can play.”

Forest will also give centre-back Murillo a chance to prove his fitness. The Brazilian has been struggling with a hamstring injury and has not played since April 19.

Pereira, who has overseen a dramatic reversal in Forest’s form since becoming their fourth boss of the season in February, wants his team to approach the tie at Villa Park without fear.

He said: “This is a game not to think about glory, but to think about feeling proud of our work, to feel proud of ourselves, the way that we compete, the way that we fight for each ball, the way that we have personality to play, to face the atmosphere.

“We speak a lot about the glory, but I don't feel anything; I just want to be calm.

“It is exactly the same if we play at home or away. I want to see my team playing without fears, trying to create chances to score and trying to win the game. It is exactly the same if we are winning or losing, we go with the same spirit to compete.

“Tomorrow is a day to enjoy. It is a day to compete and prove ourselves again. This is something to be grateful for.”