Nikola Milenković
NFO
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
Oct 12, 1997 (29)
Right
6'5"
198 lb
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.
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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