Nottingham Forest are holding firm in their belief that Morgan Gibbs. White will be fit to take his place in the starting eleven for Thursday's Europa...
Nottingham Forest are holding firm in their belief that Morgan Gibbs. White will be fit to take his place in the starting eleven for Thursday's Europa League semi final second leg against Aston Villa. Sources close to the club have told GoalZaza that the attacking midfielder, who has been a key component of Nuno Espirito Santo's system this campaign, is undergoing every possible treatment to recover from a lingering knock sustained in the first leg. The powers that be at the City Ground are not ready to wave the white flag on the player's availability, and they maintain that Gibbs. White has been giving a good account of himself in training drills. At the end of the day, the decision will rest with the medical team, but the optimism from the Forest camp is palpable. Should Gibbs. White be deemed fit, his creativity and work rate on the pitch could provide the necessary edge against a formidable Aston Villa side. This is a contest where the lion's share of possession may not tell the full story; what matters is the clinical moment. The Nigerian international, if he plays, will be expected to orchestrate attacks from the middle of the park. In the scheme of things, Forest know that a fully fit Gibbs. White could be the difference between a trip to Dublin and a season of regret. Across Lagos and Abuja, fans gathering at viewing centres are already in a state of mild anxiety. At the popular Sports Ville Arena in Surulere, supporters clad in Forest jerseys were seen debating the manager's likely lineup. One gentleman, a retired civil servant who has followed the Premier League since the days of Kanu Nwankwo, suggested that Gibbs. White's presence is non negotiable. The collective groan that would greet any negative fitness update would surely be heard from Ikeja to the stadium itself. For the Nigerian football devotee, this is not just another European night; it is a chance to see a Super Eagles pedigree in action on the continental stage.
