Gibbs-White requires some magic touch following head knock that puts Europa League semi spot in jeopardy

Gibbs-White has been in outstanding shape recently, yet he started on the substitutes bench during the Premier League victory over struggling Chelsea, marking yet another vital move for Forest in their bid to steer clear of the drop.

Introduced at the interval, the England international set up Taiwo Awoniyi for Forest's third strike in the 52nd minute. However, he was substituted around the 66th minute following a head collision with Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez, who also departed the pitch.

Pereira expressed confidence that Gibbs-White, boasting 10 Premier League strikes and three assists since January, would be available for the Thursday clash with Villa aiming for a Europa League final berth, given Forest's 1-0 lead from the initial encounter.

He mentioned that Gibbs-White is conversing without issues and recalling events clearly, noting the player had sustained a significant gash.

The Portuguese manager indicated he awaited the assessment from the medical team, hoping they could perform some kind of wonder to aid his recovery.

Gibbs-White possesses real grit, Pereira added.

He further noted no concerns for Zach Abbott after his own head clash with Chelsea's Jesse Derry, the latter hospitalised merely as a safeguard.

The ex-Wolves manager, installed as Forest's fourth boss this season back in February, commended the resilience of his squad, now on a 10-match unbeaten streak across all tournaments.

He rotated the lineup with eight alterations from the Villa starting XI, resting numerous stars, though they dominated proceedings against a mistake-prone and lacklustre Chelsea for nearly the full duration.

I might swap personnel, but the core ethos of this group remains unchanged, Pereira remarked.

Forest currently hold a six-point buffer above the Premier League's lower three positions.