Why Nikola Milenkovic and Jair Cunha are absent for Nottingham Forest at Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest are without Nikola Milenkovic and Jair Cunha at Aston Villa, the pair missing out with slight fitness concerns. They are not in the squad for this afternoon’s Premier League game at Villa Park, a three pm kick-off. Summer signings Ousmane Diomande and Daniel Munoz make their first league starts.

According to Nottingham Post, both defenders have minor hamstring tightness and have not been risked. Jair will hope it proves nothing serious after his first senior Brazil call-up for upcoming friendlies.

Forest are still seeking a first win, with two points from three after draws with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Diomande and Munoz for Milenkovic and Jair are the only changes, and Oliver Glasner is likely to persist with his preferred three-four-two-one. Ola Aina is expected to play right-sided centre-back alongside Diomande and Murillo.

Munoz is set to start at right wing-back, with Neco Williams on the left and Xaver Schlager with James McAtee in midfield. Morgan Gibbs-White and Dan Ndoye will support Liam Delap.

Ibrahim Sangare is among the substitutes after a slight calf problem.

Forest finished the window light at centre-back after deadline-day loans for Morato and Zach Abbott, leaving Diomande, Jair, Milenkovic and Murillo as the only natural options. Glasner is not concerned, citing Aina, Ryan Yates and injured full-back Nicolo Savona as cover.

Source: Nottingham Post

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”