Nottingham Forest are planning to open new contract talks with winger Callum Hudson-Odoi. (Football Insider), external
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Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game at Tottenham (20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Nuno confirmed Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi did not train with the squad on Thursday and will have to be assessed before Monday's game as they are "still carrying some problems".
On Chris Wood, who returned from injury as a substitute in the loss to Everton on Saturday: "We have to manage Chris. He has been out for a while. Everton was good but not as good as we want. We are positive that on Monday he will be better."
Nuno is focused on his side after two defeats in a row and positive results for the teams around them: "The blow is we were not able to perform as well as we wish, especially in the last game. That was the blow. In regards to the other teams, nothing has changed since the last weeks. It is in our hands and we cannot control them. Now it is about reacting and improving."
On embracing expectations: "The expectation around us started the moment we were able to perform and get results. We are delighted, we embrace the challenge. We're not stepping back, we're stepping in. We want to try to get it. It's going to be very hard but, believe me, we are putting everything in this final stage of the season."
When asked about Spurs' big Europa League quarter-final second leg at Frankfurt on Thursday, Nuno said: "We are going to watch the game. It's a big game and, for us, for analysis. It will determine what we expect for the Monday night line-up. Our focus is on that."
On pressure on Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou: "All managers, we face the same. It's up to us to try to ignore and focus on the job we can control. Like me, like Ange, like all the managers in the world, what we can control is preparing our players."
On having a clear week to prepare for Spurs: "It was good. Many of them are struggling with some situations. A clear week was good for us because it allowed us to recover the players and not push them immediately after a big effort."
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Saveena Johal
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesNottingham Forest's chances of European football might have been statistically higher a few weeks ago but we are a club excellent at breaking the norms when it comes to statistics. Sitting in the top four with such low possession per game is a reflection of this.
The fanbase appears largely divided, though. Some seem despondent about recent games, others remain hopeful while holding on to the perspective gained from recent seasons. My thoughts sit within the latter group.
Achieving European football in any capacity would still be a huge success in my eyes. That said, we continue to strive for a Champions League place.
Our record against Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United this season deems us worthy.
The players are under a different sort of pressure than they have grown accustomed to; fighting for the top five following a relegation escape one season prior. That, in itself, is something that still feels unfathomable, and is all the more reason we should be proud of how far the team has come.
The narrative this season has been the scarily slim gaps at the top end of the table. With just three points separating us and seventh place, every game matters. Letting go of a point in the dying minutes of a game hurts far more for this reason.
Picking up points on the road will be crucial, and there is nothing to say this can't be done on Monday against Spurs. In their current form, Tottenham should not be feared.
While a loss in concentration cost us over the weekend, there is always a period of rejuvenation with Forest - the famous bounceback we should be more than familiar with now, especially after the Brighton match.
Now is not the time to be feeling dejected. We have an FA Cup trophy and a Champions League place yet to play for.
Find more from Saveena Johal at Punjabi Forest, external
Image source, Getty ImagesI saw Nottingham Forest's defeat at Aston Villa and I actually do not think much has changed in terms of what they do.
Certainly that second half, they were very good. When you look at the stats from both that defeat and the loss to Everton last weekend, they were pretty even and pretty much the same as what we have seen from from Forest all season.
They had been more clinical in previous games, and got results from low possession and minimal shots on target.
I remember saying early on, and midway through the season, that they have to remain clinical because that is why they are in the position they are.
Being without Chris Wood has not helped but I do not think they have done much different. Forest are in a position that has maybe surprised themselves but they are riding the wave.
It is exciting for them and they still have a great chance to reach the Champions League.
Nuno's team have a good game to bounce back at the weekend against Tottenham, who will have played a big game in Europe. They then have some home fixtures that are more than winnable for them, so I they are still in a good position.
It has been a small blip if anything and Forest fans will still be in dreamland with their season and where they have come from in battling relegation last year.
From a player's point of view, it is a completely different kind of pressure from fighting to stay in the league and then being in a position to achieve something so unexpected.
Most will have never been there, but the pressure is definitely not coming from in-house.
It is difficult but I do not see Forest slipping up enough to not get into the Champions League.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Nottingham Forest defender Brian Laws says the remaining six games of the Premier League season will be a "massive test" for Nuno Espirito Santo's side after their "blooper" against Everton last weekend.
The 1-0 defeat has bunched up the Premier League table somewhat, with only three points now separating Nottingham Forest in fourth and Aston Villa in seventh.
Speaking on BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast, Laws admitted that some of the clubs looking to get over the line and secure European football for next season are currently "on a high".
"It is going to be about who holds their nerve best - that's for sure," he added. "It will be a massive test for Forest because the chasing clubs are on a high.
"Newcastle United are playing off the back of winning the Carabao Cup. It is like they have come alive and that is a worry because it looks like they can go on and continue in that way.
"It has been like a new lease of life and it has kickstarted them probably at the most crucial time - in the last six or seven games - so they are a worry.
"Manchester City are absolutely bubbling. Chelsea have got class in their team and you know that on any given day they can win a game, but they do also have a blooper in them.
"I didn't think Forest had a blooper in them, so that Everton defeat has hurt a bit."
The latest Shut Up And Show More Football podcast has landed.
David Jackson and Colin Fray are joined by former Nottingham Forest defender Brian Laws to discuss how the Reds' final six-games compare with other teams also battling it out for a Champions League spot.
Plus former Nottingham Forest midfielder Andy Reid talks about his current role in the club's academy, where he is working alongside Wes Morgan, Lewis Grabban and Julian Bennett.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
