Jair Cunha
NFOBrazil
Both
Mar 7, 2005
21
6'6"
192 lb
CB
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Driving Centre Back
ForestFinds starting role
Cunha (shoulder) is in the starting XI for Monday's clash against Chelsea.
Analysis: Cunha won his race against time to be fit for Monday's match after missing the midweek UEL contest, with the few days of recovery proving sufficient for the coaching staff to hand him a starting role in the absence of Murillo, who has been unable to overcome his own hamstring issue. His return is a timely boost for a Nottingham side with very few defensive options available, and his elevation to the first eleven is a direct consequence of the club's depleted backline rather than a shift in his usual standing within the squad. His presence nonetheless gives the coaching staff a much-needed solution at center-back heading into a crucial fixture.
Trying for Chelsea contest
Cunha (shoulder) is questionable for Monday's match against Chelsea, according to manager Vitor Pereira, per Sarah Clapson of the Nottingham Post. "I don't know. I'm trying to be honest because I don't know. I really don't know. I must wait three days, and I hope they give me good news about the injured players because we need them."
Analysis: Cunha had to miss out on a midweek UEL contest and will now be in a race against time to make Monday's match, having a few days to continue recovery. The club has very few options in the defense, so they are hoping for a return from either him or Murillo (hamstring), giving a bit more depth in the defense. That said, if Cunha is fit but Murillo is not, he will likely see the start, but if Murillo is fit and so is Cunha, expect him to take on more of a depth position.
Out to face Villa
Cunha (shoulder) is not in the squad for Thursday's Europa League semifinal against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Cunha was going to be a late call for Thursday, but apparently, he didn't pass a late fitness test. He'll have a few days to improve his fitness levels ahead of Monday's match against Chelsea in the Premier League.
Late call for Thursday
Cunha (shoulder) is a late call for Thursday's match against Aston Villa, according to manager Vitor Pereira, per Sarah Clapson of the Nottingham Post. "Our medical department is working hard to put everyone in condition to help us."
Analysis: Cunha will need some testing to play Thursday after an injury occurred in his last outing, preparing to take the field against Villa. He has been back in training, so this is somewhat positive news, appearing to be closer to playing than not. If fit enough to start, he likely will do so at center-back, serving for the injured Murillo (hamstring).
Back in training
Cunha (shoulder) returned to training with the squad ahead of Thursday's Europa League semifinal first leg against Aston Villa, according to Jak Netting from VAVEL.
Analysis: Cunha's return to training is an encouraging development after his recent injury concern left his availability in doubt. The defender had only recently returned from a foot injury before picking up the new blow, making his presence on the training pitch a welcome sign for the club heading into a high-stakes European fixture. Nikola Milenkovic and Morato had been in line for extended minutes in his absence, though Cunha's return to the group gives coach Nuno Espirito Santo additional options at the back ahead of the first leg against Aston Villa.
Suffers shoulder injury
Cunha left Friday's win over Sunderland because of a shoulder issue.
Analysis: Cunha will be questionable for the upcoming clash with Aston Villa in Europa League action, as it remains to be seen if his problem is significant. The defender had recently bounced back from a foot injury, making just three appearances across all competitions before picking up the new blow. While both Cunha and Murillo (muscular) struggle to remain healthy, Nikola Milenkovic and Morato could see extended outings in the immediate future.
Starting vs. Porto
Cunha (foot) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's Europa League match against Porto.
Analysis: Nottingham Forest will be rotating some pieces for this contest and Cunha will get the nod in the XI, playing in a three-man defensive line next to Murillo and Neco Williams. With this move, Nikola Milenkovic will head to the bench. This will be Jair's first appearance since logging nine minutes vs. Midtjylland in the Europa League on March 12.
Trains ahead of Europa League
Cunha (foot) was in training ahead of Thursday's match against FC Porto, according to his club.
Analysis: Cunha is continuing to work on his recovery and is seeing more progress, as he was amongst the players training Tuesday. This is the first time he has been pictured in this spot since his injury around a month ago, appearing to be on the right track. This could lead him to be included on Thursday, giving the club more options in the defense.
Edging closer to return
Cunha (foot) has made the trip to Portugal for Thursday's Europa League matchup against Porto but will remain out, according to coach Vitor Pereira, "We have almost solved the situation, but not yet for this game."
Analysis: Cunha has missed three games across all competitions due to his injury and might remain limited or rested in European action, but he could be close to making a full return in subsequent weeks. He had made four official starts in a center-back spot before suffering the injury. However, he'll be in contention with current starters Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic whenever he's ready to play.
Remains out with injury
Jair (foot) remains out without a clear timetable to return, according to manager Vitor Pereira. "No, Jair has an injury," Pereira revealed. "I don't know exactly how long he will stay out but he is recovering and doing treatment. We will see what will happens, because he is important for us."
Analysis: The Brazilian defender suffered the injury in the first leg of the Europa League tie against Midtjylland, and Sunday's game against the Spurs will mark his third straight absence. Depending on the severity of the injury and his recovery process, Jair will aim to be an option for the April 9 clash against Porto in the Europa League before the Premier League resumes with a clash against Aston Villa on Sunday, April 12.
Suffers foot issue
Cunha has been dealing with a foot issue this week that limited his training and was forced off early in Thursday's 1-0 loss against Midtjylland in the Europa League due to the setback, according to coach Vitor Pereira, per Jak Netting of VAVEL. "With Jair [Cunha], I think it was an issue with his foot. It was a pity as we planned to play with him."
Analysis: Cunha has been battling a foot issue this week and couldn't push through it during Thursday's Europa League loss to Midtjylland, as he was forced off before the 10th minute after aggravating the problem. The defender will undergo further evaluation in the coming days to determine the full extent of the injury, which is a setback for Forest since new head coach Vitor Pereira had plans to rely on him in the starting XI. Until he's back up to full speed, Nikola Milenkovic is the most likely option to step into his role in the back-three defense.
Injured again
Cunha started but was forced to leave with a physical issue in the ninth minute of Thursday's Europa League game versus Midtjylland.
Analysis: Cunha had recovered from an apparently minor injury but ended up picking up some discomfort again in the midweek clash. This news comes after he made two starts and one appearance off the bench over the previous three official matches. He featured as part of a three-man defense in the Europa League contest alongside Murillo and Morato, with substitute Nikola Milenkovic now expected to return to that back line if Cunha is ruled out.
Doubtful Thursday
Cunha (undisclosed) missed training Wednesday and is doubtful for Thursday's Europa League first leg against Midtjylland, according to Sarah Clapson from The Nottingham post.
Analysis: Cunha is doubtful for Thursday's Europa League first leg against Midtjylland after missing Wednesday's training session. The center back has started two of the last three matches, so his potential absence could be felt in the back line, with Morato expected to start in his place if he is unavailable.
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