Nikola Milenković
NFO
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
Oct 12, 1997 (29)
Right
6'5"
198 lb
Could return to starting XI
Milenkovic (knee) is fully fit and available to start Friday's Premier League clash against Ipswich Town after returning to the bench against Arsenal on Sunday, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "Milenkovic was already on the bench and is ready to start and play."
Analysis: Milenkovic is ready to return to the starting lineup after recovering from a knee bone bruise that followed an earlier hamstring injury. The Serbian center-back was back on the bench against Arsenal on Sunday but remained an unused substitute, having missed several weeks of action. He could make his return to the starting XI against Ipswich on Friday, potentially replacing either Ousmane Diomande or Jair Cunha in Forest's three-man defense alongside Murillo. His return would provide a boost to Forest's defensive options after an extended spell on the sidelines.
Returns to bench against Arsenal
Milenkovic (knee) is available off the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Arsenal after recovering from a knee injury.
Analysis: Milenkovic returns to Nottingham Forest's matchday squad after recently resuming team training following several weeks on the sidelines. The Serbian center-back had been recovering from a hamstring injury before suffering a knee bone bruise during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Swansea City, which also ruled him out against Crystal Palace. His inclusion on the bench represents a positive step toward regaining match fitness, although his minutes could initially be managed. Ousmane Diomande, Jair Cunha and Murillo have been handed the starting roles in Forest's three-man defense against Arsenal, leaving Milenkovic as a substitute option as he works toward full fitness.
Could return against Arsenal
Milenkovic (knee) resumed team training Friday and could be involved in Sunday's Premier League clash against Arsenal, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "Milenkovic trained for the first time today, so we will see how he reacts. He could be in the matchday squad, but let's see because he has been out for several weeks."
Analysis: Milenkovic has taken an important step toward returning after a knee bone bruise forced him to miss the previous match against Crystal Palace. The Serbian defender had already been recovering from a hamstring injury before suffering the setback during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Swansea City. Having only just resumed training after several weeks without competitive action, he may initially be limited to a substitute role if included in Sunday's squad. Ousmane Diomande, Jair Cunha and Murillo remain options in Forest's back three.
Ruled out with knee injury
Milenkovic (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace after suffering a bone bruise during a behind-closed-doors friendly, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "Nikola, he returned from an injury and played in the friendly, which was all good, but he injured his knee in a duel and he has a bruised bone. He will miss the game; it's very painful, so he can't train."
Analysis: Milenkovic has suffered a frustrating setback just as he was nearing a return from the hamstring injury that kept him sidelined against Aston Villa and Coventry City. The Serbian defender had completed 45 minutes in a friendly against Swansea City during the international break, but a collision left him with a painful knee injury that has prevented him from training. Coach Glasner has yet to provide a timetable for his recovery, leaving his availability beyond Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace uncertain. With Milenkovic sidelined, Ousmane Diomande could retain his place alongside Jair Cunha and Murillo in Nottingham Forest's back three.
Plays 45 minutes in friendly
Milenkovic (hamstring) is set to be available for the Oct. 11 trip to Crystal Palace after playing 45 minutes in Saturday's friendly win over Swansea City, John Percy of the Telegraph reports, with coach Oliver Glasner having told the Nottingham Post this week that he expects the defender to be available. "Yes, he should be available for Palace."
Analysis: Milenkovie completed 45 minutes against Swansea City to confirm his return to full match intensity following the hamstring injury that sidelined him against Aston Villa and Coventry City. Manager Oliver Glasner has already indicated the defender should be available for Crystal Palace, making the October 11 fixture a realistic target for his starting return. The Serbian international had started all three Premier League matches he was available for this season, cementing his status as a key pillar in the defensive line. Milenkovic could step straight back into the starting XI alongside Jair Cunha and Murillo in the back three, a move that would see Ousmane Diomande return to the substitute bench.
Remains sidelined
Milenkovic (hamstring) will remain unavailable for Saturday's clash against Coventry, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "I mentioned last week that Milenkovic will miss Coventry"
Analysis: Milenkovic will miss a second consecutive Premier League match after being ruled out against Aston Villa with hamstring tightness. The center-back had started each of Forest's opening three league matches, recording 20 clearances, three interceptions and three blocks, making his continued absence significant for the back line. Ola Aina should remain among the options to cover in the back three while Milenkovic continues his recovery.
Not available for Villa clash
Milenkovic (hamstring) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa due to injury, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "After lunch, the doctor came to me and said they don't feel comfortable, there's some tightness in the hamstrings, so unfortunately they don't make it today. We trained yesterday, but it is how it is. We can't change it anymore and we trust in the other players."
Analysis: Milenkovic had been excellent in the first three games of the season, contributing 20 clearances, three interceptions and three blocks in that span, cementing his importance to the Forest's back line. Ola Aina figures to start in the back three to cover his absence, and Milenkovic's recovery timeline will be worth monitoring as Nottingham Forest's season continues.
Busy in defense
Milenkovic had three tackles (one won), seven clearances and three interceptions in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
Analysis: Milenkovic was busy throughout the match Saturday, mopping up multiple Liverpool attacks and playing a huge role in earning the draw. The center-back was excellent every time Liverpool came forward and showed just how important he is to the backline. He should remain a mainstay after another solid performance.
Hits post in 1-0 defeat
Milenkovic recorded two shots (zero on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 loss against Leeds United.
Analysis: Milenkovic hit the post during a 1-0 defeat, that chance going in could have been crucial to gaining a result against Leeds. The defender took two shots in the game, something he only managed four times in the league last year. The defender also made a massive seven clearances in the game although did concede three fouls.
Keeps clean sheet vs Spurs
Milenkovic recorded four clearances in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Fulham.
Analysis: Milenkovic kept his seventh clean sheet of the season Sunday, his fourth in the last nine matches. He won three duels and made four clearances as he and the defense only allowed one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.
Imperious defending in win
Milenkovic recorded one tackle (zero won) and seven clearances in Wednesday's 1-0 win against Wolverhampton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 19th minute.
Analysis: Milenkovic made a team-high seven clearances Wednesday as Nottingham Forest held Wolverhampton to just one shot on target in a 1-0 road victory. Across his last five appearances (five starts) in all competitions, the veteran central defender has scored once and made an average of 5.8 clearances per appearance. Milenkovic has played every minute of Nottingham Forest's first 14 league fixtures.
Dealing with cramps
Milenkovic was forced off one minute before the final whistle in Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Betis in the Europa League due to cramps, coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed in a press conference, according to the Nottingham Post. "It was just cramp."
Analysis: Milenkovic recorded one tackle and four clearances in Wednesday's draw against Betis in the Europa League before being forced off one minute before the final whistle. An injury was feared at first, but coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed it was only due to cramps and that the center back will likely be available for Saturday's clash against the Black Cats.
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