Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Ola Aina, Evanilson react to Murillo's message amid Nottingham Forest injury blow

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Murillo has taken to social media with a new message for Nottingham Forest fans following a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.

The Reds had to settle for a single point at Selhurst Park on Monday, 5 May, as the Brazilian centre-back's 64th-minute goal dragged his side onto equal terms after Eberechi Eze's opener from the penalty spot.

Nuno Espirito Santo, who Forest are trying to tie down to a new deal, has done an incredible job this season, but with one win in the last five league matches, Champions League qualification is at risk.

The injury to Callum Hudson-Odoi was already a big blow at the City Ground, which has now been compounded after Murillo was forced off with a new injury and replaced with Morato.

Murillo suffers new injury blow against Crystal Palace

Taking to Instagram (6 May), Murillo wrote: "Vai dar certo [It will work out]," after suffering his new setback against Crystal Palace.

Teammate Ola Aina was one of the first players to react, with West Ham's Emerson Palmieri and Bournemouth's Evanilson both liking the post too.

Champions League qualification on the line for Nottingham Forest

Football Insider verdict

Forest looked well on their way to Champions League football, but after just one win in the last five Premier League matches, Espirito Santo's side have slipped down the table.

It certainly puts them in a difficult position, with Man City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa all to fight against, and a game against Enzo Maresca's team on the final day of the season.

Premier League standingsPoints
3. Man City64
4. Newcastle United63
5. Chelsea63
6. Nottingham Forest61
7. Aston Villa60

Losing out on Champions League football could have dire consequences for the Reds, such as Morgan Gibbs-White joining Man City this summer, or Murillo leaving the City Ground.

With three matches remaining, there is still all to play for, and with Leicester City and West Ham up next, many will expect Forest to grab all six points from those two games to throw the cat amongst the pigeons.

Some may believe that a season in the Europa League would be much better for the Reds' development, and would still help them sign some elite players, but it feels like a let-down based on their performances earlier in the campaign.

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