Nottingham Forest have had a tough start to the season in terms of injuries, but Ange Postecoglou is set to welcome back a star who could be a regular starter for him.
Perhaps most crucially, Ola Aina suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out of action until the end of 2025, leaving the Reds without their star right-back.
Alongside Aina, Murillo missed the Swansea defeat after suffering a knock against Arsenal, with the Brazilian defender remaining in doubt for the trip to face Burnley this Saturday.
However, the news isn’t all bad from the treatment room at the Forest training ground, though, as one long-term absentee is set to be reintegrated into the first team.
Nicolas Dominguez nearing Nottingham Forest return
Nicolas Dominguez suffered an injury against Chelsea on the last day of the 24/25 campaign, with the Argentine midfielder seen in a leg brace during the lap of honour at the City Ground.
Shortly after the end of the season, Dominguez had surgery on a meniscus ligament injury, which would keep him away from the game throughout pre-season.
It seems as if he is close to returning to action, though, as Postecoglou has provided an update on Dominguez’s status as the season ramps up.
Postecoglou said: “Nicolas Dominguez is hopefully getting reintegrated into full team training next week, which would be great for him as well and great for us to get him back in the squad.”
The Reds have strengthened in midfield, with Douglas Luiz arriving from Juventus but struggling to make an impact on the starting XI.
However, the return of Dominguez to the group could be interesting for Postecoglou, as the Argentine midfielder possesses the attributes to truly star in a midfield for the Australian.
Nicolas Dominguez could be a star for Ange Postecoglou
Ibrahim Sangare struggled against Arsenal in Postecoglou’s opening game as Forest head coach, with both the Arsenal and Swansea games making it clear that the Reds’ midfield will be asked to do plenty of running.
Therefore, Dominguez could come into his own under the Australian, as his underlying stats point to a midfielder who can help Postecoglou’s style come to fruition.
| Statistic | Nicolas Dominguez stats 24/25 |
| Tackles won per 90 | 2.04 |
| Blocks per 90 | 1.74 |
| Ball recoveries per 90 | 5.23 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.36 |
Dominguez is incredibly active defensively, as shown last season when he won 2.04 tackles, as well as 1.74 blocks and 1.36 interceptions per 90 minutes.
The Argentine midfielder also completed 5.23 ball recoveries per match in the 24/25 campaign, showing that he has the engine to help the Reds compete across the pitch.
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