Nottingham Forest are likely to investigate whether Morgan Gibbs-White can play in the Europa League semi-final with a protective mask.

Gibbs-White has several stitches in a facial wound after a collision with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in Forest’s 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Monday. Boss Vitor Pereira said he did not believe the playmaker has concussion.

The playmaker posted a photograph of himself on social media showing the severity of the injury and boss Vitor Pereira said Forest were hoping for ‘a miracle’. Pereira added: ‘He has a deep cut, we will see. He is a fighter.’

‘We'll see what happens. I really believe we can have him next game. I said to him: Don't head the ball, just play.’

Forest know that if they avoid defeat at Aston Villa on Thursday, they will reach the Europa League Final, thanks to their 1-0 victory in the first leg at the City Ground.

It is not unusual for players to wear protective gear. Harry Kane scored for Tottenham in the 2016 north London derby at White Hart Lane while wearing a mask over a broken nose. Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen continues to wear one after sustaining serious facial injuries while playing for Napoli in 2021.

Such masks can sometimes be uncomfortable, hindering performance. But Gibbs-White is so important to Forest that he would surely play if permitted.

The 26-year-old has 16 goals and seven assists in all competitions and is thriving under Pereira, with six goals in his last eight matches. His leadership is crucial, too. With Ryan Yates unlikely to start, Gibbs-White would captain the side at Villa Park.