Fitness expert shares worrying Murillo injury verdict, the next 48 hours will be crucial
Nottingham Forest lost 3-2 at home against Danish side Midtjylland in the Europa League, leaving Ange Postecoglou’s side with one point.
Nottingham Forest’s defeat to Midtjylland leaves the East Midlands club staring down the barrel of an early Europa League exit to go with their Carabao Cup exit from earlier this month.
Postecoglou is under scrutiny at Nottingham Forest due to the Australian’s poor run of form since joining the club.
Postecoglou is winless in his first six games at the club, and Nottingham Forest will play Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Murillo set for scan after Midtjylland injury scare
The next 48 hours will be crucial in determining the extent of the injury that was picked up by Murillo in Nottingham Forest’s loss.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Arsenal’s former strength and conditioning assistant coach, Laurence Huthwaite, gave his view on the injury.
Huthwaite said: “That force of not only the ground but the opponent also falling on you looks like a jarring of the lower back and bone bruising around the pelvis, potentially could then lead to hamstring issues. If still sore after 48 hours, a scan is likely.”
Postecoglou is already without Ola Aina on the right side of his defence and could do without losing Murillo for Forest’s upcoming fixtures.
Murillo key to Ange Postecoglou’s deep buildup play
Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic excelled under Nuno Espirito Santo last season, with the Portuguese head coach bringing out the pair’s exceptional box defending capabilities.
Under Postecoglou, the pair have been exposed in the Australians’ more offensively minded system, with Milenkovic struggling in particular.
| Murillo stats | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
| Progressive passes per 90 | 3.25 | 7.65 |
| Passes into Final Third per 90 | 3.93 | 7.65 |
| Shot-Creating Actions per 90 | 1.24 | 1.18 |
| Tackles and interceptions per 90 | 2.51 | 2.94 |
| Clearances per 90 | 7.03 | 4.41 |
Murillo has benefited somewhat from the transition with Postecoglou’s buildup through the thirds, suiting the Brazilian’s progressive passing abilities.
Postecoglou will hope that his side can find some form in the coming weeks, and Murillo’s fitness will be a key component in any good for Forest has.