Nottingham Forest manager Pereira attributes semi-final loss to Aston Villa to injuries

Nottingham Forest held a 1-0 advantage on aggregate following the initial encounter with Aston Villa, yet they endured a resounding 4-0 defeat at the hands of Unai Emerys team in the return match.

The side grappling in the Premier League lacked six key members owing to injuries. While Morgan Gibbs-White appeared on the substitutes list, the deep cut he suffered during their triumph over Chelsea effectively sidelined him.

In his post-match discussion with TNT Sports, Pereira expressed the view that possessing his entire roster would likely have altered the result.

"To challenge in a semi-final matchup versus a squad like Aston Villa, we require all personnel in optimal shape to vie effectively," he remarked.

"Should you examine the substitutes prior to kickoff, we only had three available, given that others were sidelined by injuries. Todays bench featured solely Bakwa, Luca, and Murillo from the senior squad.

"We attempted to include him despite the injury leaving him unfit, along with Yates. This situation proved insufficient for competing here without alternatives.

"Following the clash with Chelsea and then journeying back for this fixture just three days later, it proved unfeasible. I hold immense pride in our fans, who journeyed far to support us, yet it remained out of reach. It is regrettable, but I commend my team for giving their utmost."

Upon questioning regarding their inability to replicate Villas vigour, Pereira reinforced his stance.

"Aina sidelined. Morgan (Gibbs-White) unavailable. Sangare absent. Murillo missing. Callum (Hudson-Odoi) out. Ndoye unavailable. To field the complete lineup, we included three hurt players among the reserves and called up three additional academy prospects," he continued.

"To engage in such a contest under these circumstances, post the Chelsea encounter and in a semi-final setting, proves impossible. That explains why I maintain we could not truly compete."