Nottingham Forest hit with ‘disappointing’ surgery blow ahead of final day clash at Burnley

Latest Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds prepare to face Burnley in final Premier League game of season

Midfielder Nicolas Dominguez has undergone surgery and has been ruled out of Nottingham Forest’s final game of the season.

The Argentine has had a hernia operation after struggling with an issue in the abdominal area for the past couple of months. He will miss Sunday’s trip to Burnley as the Reds look to sign off for the summer on a positive note.

Defender Neco Williams will also be absent for the visitors at Turf Moor. He has missed the past two games after being forced off with a thigh problem in last month’s defeat to Manchester City.

“Unfortunately he is not going to be available. It is disappointing,” Nuno said of the Welshman.

“Also Nicolas Dominguez, we have taken the chance to solve some issues he has been carrying in this final part of the season. He went to surgery and will not be available. Some others are out, but we will keep it (quiet) for now.”

On Dominguez, Nuno added: “He was in a lot of pain and not able to produce force. He has been struggling a lot for the past two months. We have been trying to manage him as well as possible, but there was no other solution and he had to have surgery.

“We anticipate (he will be OK) in one week time, so he can hopefully start the next season in a better situation. Now I think it is important for him to take care of himself and have a rest.”

Forest take on the Clarets with Premier League safety all but secured. They are three points ahead of 18th-placed Luton Town and have a significantly better goal difference.

Williams’ injury means Gonzalo Montiel is likely to continue at right-back. Dominguez came off the bench in last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Chelsea, with his last start for the club coming against Everton last month.