Nuno Espirito Santo delivers concerning Murillo update after Nottingham Forest’s win vs Everton

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Nottingham Forest ended 2024 on a high with a 2-0 Premier League win over Everton, but one aspect of the day will be worrying Nuno Espirito Santo.

Forest’s win over Everton was their fifth consecutive league victory, moving Espirito Santo’s side further clear of the top four-chasing pack in the Premier League table.

Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White got the goals as the Forest squad once again looked comfortable on their travels, in a game that could’ve been even simpler as Mike Dean thought James Tarkowski should’ve been sent off for Everton.

The decision certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the away fans, though, with Forest fans singing about a title challenge after their side’s second goal.

One aspect of the day that will be worrying fans and Espirito Santo, though, is the fitness of star centre-back Murillo, who had to be replaced in the starting lineup after picking up an injury in the warm-up.

Nuno Espirito Santo provides Murillo fitness update

Forest fans praised Morato for his display in replacing Murillo, but the Brazilian’s importance to Forest is hard to ignore.

Speaking to Nottinghamshire Live after the Everton win, the Forest manager gave a concerning update about his star defender.

Espirito Santo said: “We prepared for the game with Murillo. He started the warm-up but felt his adductor and it was too painful and stiff.

“It was about deciding whether to risk him or not, but the player was not comfortable. It was a quick turnaround to prepare and change the shape but the tasks were basically the same.

“Let’s assess [Murillo]. His adductor was very stiff and he wasn’t able to kick the ball. I hope it is nothing.”

Given that Murillo couldn’t even kick a ball, Forest fans will be greatly concerned about the chances of seeing the Brazilian at the start of 2025, especially given his ever-present nature since arriving at the City Ground.

Murillo has never been injured at Nottingham Forest

Murillo was phenomenal on his Forest debut in October 2023 and has not missed a single match for the club ever since, until Sunday’s win over Everton.

His availability is particularly remarkable given that this is his first taste of European football, having signed from boyhood club Corinthians last season.

Espirito Santo has started Murillo in every one of his Premier League games in charge of Forest, too, making it seem unthinkable that he could be missing for any period of time.

Given Real Madrid’s interest in Murillo, though, it may be a blessing in disguise for the Forest coaching staff to get used to life without the Brazilian sensation.