James McAtee must be ready to save his Nottingham Forest career as Morgan Gibbs-White faces race against time

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(Credit: Imago) Tue 5 May 2026 19:00, UK James McAtee may be set for his biggest opportunity of the season at Nottingham Forest if Morgan Gibbs-White is unable to feature against Aston Villa on Thursday night. Forest’s crucial Europa League night is now just around the corner, and Pereira will surely be considering his options to replace Gibbs-White if needs be. 🔄 Nottingham Forest Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Nottingham Forest boardroom.

Gibbs-White has regularly operated in that role of late, while he has also featured in his preferred attacking midfield position, where McAtee is also a natural fit. He has had to bide his time since moving to the City Ground, and has been limited to just two league starts so far this term, but there is a chance that Pereira could tee him up for his best moment on Thursday.

Morgan Gibbs-White has not been ruled of Nottingham Forest’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa on Thursday despite needing stitches in his forehead. pic.twitter.com/6FxWGychNh— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 5, 2026 View Tweet Gibbs-White is seemingly facing a race against time to be fit for the game, and while he has not yet been ruled out of contention, the boss will undoubtedly be weighing up his options. McAtee now playing for his future at Nottingham ForestFormer Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider back in March that Forest may cut their losses and accept a bid for McAtee this summer, such has been his lack of impact in the East Midlands.With that in mind, the 23-year-old is likely to be playing for his future between now and the end of the season, and he is running out of opportunities to prove his worth at his new club.