Ange Postecoglou receives major Nottingham Forest blow hours before Europa League opener

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Ange Postecoglou and Nottingham Forest are preparing for the club’s return to European competition for the first time in 30 years, but the Australian has been dealt a major blow before kick-off.

The Forest squad have been training at Real Betis’ stadium to help them acclimatise to their surroundings before Wednesday’s clash in Seville.

Over in the Betis camp, Manuel Pellegrini has been dealing with injury issues with the likes of Isco and central defender Diego Llorente unavailable for Wednesday, which should give the Reds an advantage.

However, there are injury worries for the Reds, too, as Postecoglou has confirmed that one star has not travelled to face Betis.

Murillo has not travelled to face Real Betis in Europa League opener

Postecoglou has had an unlucky start when it comes to injuries, with Ola Aina out for three months with a hamstring problem and Brazilian centre-back Murillo missing the two previous fixtures.

There was good news, though, as Postecoglou confirmed that Murillo would be fit to face Betis after the Burnley draw, but the head coach’s latest update has quashed that positivity.

In his pre-match press conference, Postecoglou said: “Availability-wise, the only one who misses out is Murillo again. He trained yesterday, but just still not comfortable so we’ve left him back home to do some work.”

Clearly a blow for the Forest squad, Murillo’s absence against Burnley was supposed to be designed to make him available for Betis, but the knock he suffered against Arsenal must’ve been more significant than first realised.

It’s incredibly unfortunate for the player, too, to miss out on the reward for last season’s success. It gives a chance for someone else to shine once more, though, an opportunity that Morato has been taking advantage of.

Nottingham Forest can trust Morato against Real Betis

Brazilian compatriot Morato has been the natural replacement for Murillo in the previous two games, with his performance against Burnley in particular showing that he can be relied upon.

Postecoglou praised Morato’s display against Burnley after the defender had been criticised against Arsenal in particular, but Saturday showed that he can at least be solid.

Morato’s passing was respectable, while the four duels that he won actually put him clear of defensive partner Nikola Milenkovic.

As a pair, Morato and Milenkovic are by no means a liability, so Postecoglou will be comfortable leading his side out against Betis with the two at the back.