Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has insisted his team will not use fatigue as an excuse when they face Manchester United in the Premier League on Tuesday, despite a gruelling FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton.
Forest secured a place in the semi-finals by beating Brighton on penalties after a goalless draw on Saturday. However, Nuno is determined to maintain the club’s Champions League push, regardless of the physical toll on his squad.
The two-time European champions have not played in the continent’s elite club competition since 1980, but they currently sit third in the Premier League, five points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea with just nine games remaining. With UEFA expected to grant England an extra qualification spot, a top-five finish could be enough to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
Despite the tight turnaround, Nuno made it clear his team must be ready to compete. Acknowledging the physical demands on his squad, he added: “It’s very difficult on the players, but they are recovering well. They are always positive, so we are confident we can perform against a good team.”
The evening kickoff against United gives Forest extra time to recover, which Nuno believes will be beneficial. “These short turnarounds are all about recovering, and fortunately, the match is in the evening, so we will finalise the details and be OK.”
Striker Chris Wood, who missed the Brighton match due to a hip injury suffered on international duty with New Zealand, remains uncertain for Tuesday’s clash. “He is improving and getting better day by day,” Nuno said. “It’s all about him being pain-free and then getting back to fitness. He has a big contusion. It’s very painful.”
