Nicolò Savona
NFO
RB (RWB)
Balanced Full Back
Mar 19, 2003 (23)
Right
6'4"
176 lb
ForestProgressing slowly in recovery
Savona (knee) remains unavailable for Saturday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa after experiencing further setbacks in his recovery, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "It's just Savona that is still out unfortunately. He's had a few setbacks so we're progressing slowly. But he's on track and there is no pressure on him. So far he has reacted fine."
Analysis: Savona continues to work his way back from the knee injury that has kept him out since last season, with multiple setbacks forcing Forest to take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation. The full-back has responded well to his latest increase in workload, but he is not yet ready to return against Aston Villa and remains without a firm comeback date.
Back on grass after setback
Savona (knee) will remain unavailable for Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham as he continues his recovery from the injury that has sidelined him since last season, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per Nottingham Post. "He had a setback and today was his first time back on grass. Now we need to build him up step by step. Hopefully he can fully train with us during the international break or afterwards, and then he should be back soon."
Analysis: Savona's return to work on the grass represents a positive step after the setback delayed his recovery, but Saturday will come too soon for the full-back. Forest are hoping he can resume full team training during or shortly after the international break, which would put him closer to a competitive return. Once fit, Savona could also provide additional depth at center-back, with manager Oliver Glasner highlighting his physicality and ability to operate centrally despite primarily being a right-back.
Out few weeks
Savona (knee) will miss out on Nottingham Forest's matchday squad for Saturday's season opener against Leeds, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "We thought he would be further than where he is now. He had a minor setback after his knee reacted more with the load than we wanted. We had to take a step back, so he's working in the gym again and working on his knee to get back on the grass. I think it will take a couple of weeks."
Analysis: Savona missed the end of last season after undergoing knee surgery in March, and this latest setback pushes his return back further than initially hoped, meaning he'll continue working in the gym before returning to grass. Ola Aina is expected to start at right wing back in his absence, with Savona expected to need a couple more weeks before he's back in full training with the group.
Continuing rehab process
Savona is progressing in his rehabilitation from a knee injury, though he will take a bit more time before returning to full training, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per Nottingham Post. "Murillo and Savona will take a little bit of time; they are progressing with their rehab"
Analysis: Savona missed Saturday's 2-0 preseason win over Notts County alongside Callum Hudson-Odoi and Murillo as all three continue their respective recoveries. Coach Oliver Glasner grouped him with Murillo in terms of timeline, noting both are progressing with their rehab but will need more time compared to Hudson-Odoi, who is expected to return quickest of the group. The coach stressed the importance of a careful approach given the nature of the injuries involved. Savona is expected to continue building up his workload as Nottingham Forest's preseason progresses.
Surgery successful
Savona (knee) has had a successful surgery and will start recovery in the coming weeks, according to his club.
Analysis: Savona was deemed to be set for surgery after Monday's presser, and it has already taken place, with the defender appearing to have come through the surgery with no issues. He will now start a decent road of recovey that will take a few months, leaving a return this season a major doubt. He will hope to see the field again, but is unlikely to push too hard and have another derailment in his young career, still only 22.
Set for surgery
Savona (knee) is set to receive surgery on Tuesday and is questionable to return this season, according to manager Vitor Pereira, per Sarah Clapson of the Nottingham Post. "I think tomorrow (Tuesday) is the surgery, I really don't know (if he'll play again this season). After the surgery, they (the medical staff) will say something and will inform us, but it is difficult."
Analysis: Savona has been out for around a month as he deals with a knee injury and is now set to miss further time, receiving surgery that could end his season. That said, it will be dependent on his training after the matter, with the medical team deciding when he can go again. They have already been without him for some time, so this isn't a major loss, although it is a huge gap in the defender's development
Set for assessment after weekend
Savona (knee) is not dealing with a serious injury but will remain out another match, according to manager Sean Dyche, per Sarah Clapson of the Nottingham Post. "He is in the awkward period of deciding what to do. It is a knee issue; nothing overly serious, but it needs managing. They are letting it settle down under the guidance of the specialist. They said it is a seven to 10-day window to let it naturally settle; we will be at the end of that after this weekend. We will then know what to do next. If it is settling, we will leave it alone and if it's not, they will decide whether we need to do anything further."
Analysis: Savona will miss a third straight game with a knee injury and is set for some further testing in the next few days to decide his levels of fitness. This would decide if the defender could then make the team for their next contest against Wolves on Feb. 11, needing some time to make the decision. The major concern is that if he is not feeling better after the weekend, the club could have to look at some further rehabilitation, possibly facing a further absence.
Out Sunday, timeline unclear
Savona (knee) won't be involved in Sunday's contest against Crystal Palace, but there's no clarity on how long he'll be sidelined for, according to manager Sean Dyche. "It's just a settling period for him now, over the next five to seven days," Dyche said. "We will then make another decision on whether it is going to need an intervention or not - nothing too drastic but it will keep him out for a bit of time. We will know more in the next week."
Analysis: Savona wasn't involved in the 4-0 win over Ferencvaros in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, and the Italian full-back won't be an option Sunday as well. Savona's absence won't affect many fantasy decisions, however, as he's been relegated to a backup role at right-back now that Ola Aina is back to full fitness.
Unlikely for Thursday
Savona is unlikely for Thursday's match against Ferencvarosi due to a knee injury, according to manager Sean Dyche, per Sarah Clapson of the Nottingham Post. "Sav has got a knee situation we are having looked at. We don't think it's too serious at this time, but we have to check it out. He's unlikely to be figuring, I think. He will be seeing a specialist today, more as a secondary check to make sure it is what we think it is. It could be days, it could be weeks. We are hopefully going to find out over the next 24 hours."
Analysis: Savona is set for further testing in the coming hours after he suffered an injury, with the defender still needing to check on the issues further. However, he does remain unlikely, possibly facing weeks out if he were to need a break. He has started in 13 of his 18 appearances this season, although it was while Ola Aina was out, with Aina to continue starting at right-back if Savona misses time.
Scores in win
Savona scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two crosses (one accurate) in Saturday's 3-0 victory versus Liverpool.
Analysis: Savona found the back of the net during Saturday's win, finishing nicely in what was expected to be a difficult match. Instead it turned out to be a total rout in Anfield, as Nottingham Forest dismantled the reigning champions. The defender isn't likely to be a major offensive threat moving forward, despite this nice finish in a tough away match.
First goal for new club
Savona scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and three crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Savona pounced on a loose ball in the box Saturday to slot home his first Nottingham Forest goal in their 2-2 draw versus Manchester United. In addition to his goal contribution, the full-back led the defesnsive effort with three tackles won. With Oleksandr Zinchenko (groin) set to miss an extended period of time, look for Savona to continue to feature in the Nottingham Forest starting XI.
Returns to bench
Savona (ankle) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Arsenal.
Analysis: Savona has recovered from his ankle injury and is back in the squad, taking a spot on the bench for Saturday's clash with Arsenal. He missed the first three matches of the campaign but resumed full training during the international break. With Ola Aina ruled out, Savona could be called on if needed as he works toward full match sharpness.
Viewed running
Savona (ankle) was viewed running on grass, according to his club.
Analysis: Savona moved to Nottingham, nursing an ankle injury, but is now working on his return, with the defender shown running. He has already missed the opening three games but will now look to see a return after the break, potentially making his debut. With Ola Aina (hamstring) going down injured during the break, he could be called on to start in his debut if deemed fit to face Arsenal on Sept. 13.
Joins Nottingham Forest
Savona has transferred from Juventus to Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal.
Analysis: Savona is on the move after his first season as a member of the senior squad at Juventus, where he had a strong start but lost minutes in the final few months. He recorded 42 crosses (11 accurate), 37 tackles, 14 interceptions, and 38 clearances in 35 appearances (24 starts), contributing to four clean sheets, playing chiefly as a right-back. He hasn't played since the FIFA Club World Cup due to an ankle injury, but he reportedly returned to full training earlier this week and passed the medicals, so he should be ready to go after the break.
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