Nottingham Forest will be led by Elliot Anderson on the decision of whether he will return for this weekend’s fixture against Burnley, eSPORTY understands.
Anderson missed Thursday’s Europa League victory over Porto, which resulted in Forest reaching the semi-finals, where they will face Aston Villa.
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It was announced shortly before kick-off that Anderson’s mother, Helen, had sadly passed away.
As a result, he was unavailable for the European clash as the club sent ‘thoughts and heartfelt sympathies’ to the England star.
Forest host Burnley on Sunday before then making the trip to Sunderland next Friday night.
Will Elliot Anderson face Burnley this weekend?
Head coach Vitor Pereira said he is unsure when Anderson will next be available.
After a successful night in Nottingham, the Portuguese manager said: “It’s a very sad situation. Everyone plays with Elliot in their heart.
“The players are thinking about him. My condolences to the family. We are here to help him, and we will see if he can play the next game.
“I said to my players in the dressing room, it is an honor for me to be the manager of this group because they have character and quality. Sometimes you have quality but you don’t have the team spirit.
“We are fighting for each other. When one of us is suffering, we are there to take care of them. That is why I feel proud of them.”
eSPORTY understands the club will be led by the player and he’ll return when he decides what’s best for him.
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Why did Elliot Anderson miss Nottingham Forest’s last game?
Forest confirmed the English international would be unavailable prior to their match with Porto via their social media channels.
They released a message, saying: “Elliot Anderson is unavailable for tonight’s fixture following the passing of his beloved mother, Helen.
“Everyone at Nottingham Forest Football Club extends its deepest condolences to Elliot and his family following this extremely sad news.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the Anderson family at this difficult time.”
Following Gibbs-White’s goal, he celebrated with his teammates by holding up a shirt that displayed Anderson’s name and number.
It presented the words ‘Family first, we are all with you’, and was also shown again on the pitch at full-time.
Forest captain Gibbs-White then teared up in his post-match interview.
“Really emotional night,” he said. “It’s a big shame, he’s an incredible kid and no one deserves this but we’re all with him.”
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Unfortunately, Anderson also missed the first-leg of the fixture through suspension.
The 23-year-old has been a key player for the midlands-based club, appearing 42 times across all competitions this season, and is also expected to be a big part of England’s World Cup plans.
Forest sit 16th in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone with only six games remaining.
They host Burnley at The City Ground at 2pm on Sunday, giving them only two full days’ rest from their European clash.
Forest then face Sunderland next Friday before their Europa League semi-final first leg against Villa on April 30.
