Nottingham Forest could have a late defensive concern on their hands ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Coventry City at the City Ground, with Jair Cunha facing a fitness test before the game.
The Brazilian defender has been dealing with a hamstring problem and missed Forest’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa last weekend. However, there has been some positive news surrounding his condition, with the centre-back returning to training as the club prepares for Coventry’s visit.
That does not necessarily mean Cunha will be ready to start, though. Forest head coach Oliver Glasner has been managing the defender’s recovery carefully, leaving his availability as one of the key selection questions before kick-off.
For Forest supporters, the situation is particularly interesting because the club are already dealing with another defensive absence.
Nikola Milenkovic has been ruled out of the Coventry match after suffering a hamstring injury, while Nicolo Savona also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a knee problem.
That leaves Forest needing to make important decisions at the back.
If Cunha is unable to feature, Murillo could once again become an especially important figure in Glasner’s defensive plans.
The Brazilian has already started every one of Forest’s first four Premier League matches this season and played a major role in the team’s most recent victory away at Aston Villa. His performance at Villa Park included an assist as Forest secured their first league win under Glasner.
Murillo’s importance could therefore increase even further if Cunha fails to receive the green light.
Forest have made changes to their squad during the summer as Glasner continues to shape the team around his preferred system, but injuries can quickly test the depth available in key positions.
The timing of Cunha’s fitness issue also makes the situation worth watching.
Forest head into the Coventry game after producing their most encouraging result of the campaign so far. Liam Delap opened his Forest account at Villa Park before Igor Jesus scored the late winner to secure a 2-1 victory.
Morgan Gibbs-White also played a major role in the decisive move, while Daniel Muñoz contributed to the attack that eventually produced the winning goal.
Now the focus switches to the City Ground, where Forest will want to build on that momentum.
Coventry, meanwhile, arrive still searching for their first Premier League point of the campaign. The visitors have struggled for goals during the opening weeks of the season, making Forest’s defensive selection another major talking point before the match.
That makes the situation surrounding Cunha even more intriguing.
If he is cleared to play, Glasner will have another option available as he decides how to arrange his defensive three. If the medical team decides that the defender needs more time, Murillo is expected to remain one of the central figures in the back line.
Forest supporters will therefore be watching team news closely before the players walk out at the City Ground.
The club have already confirmed that Milenkovic will miss the fixture, while Cunha’s situation remains more positive but still dependent on his fitness.
For Glasner, it is a balancing act between protecting a recovering player and selecting the strongest possible team for an important home fixture.
And for Forest fans, one question now stands out:
Will Jair Cunha be fit enough to return, or will Murillo once again be called upon to help anchor the defence?
The answer could become one of the biggest talking points before kick-off.
With Forest looking to continue the momentum from their dramatic win at Villa Park, every team selection could matter.
All eyes will now be on the final team news surrounding Cunha.
