In the latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham’s Shut Up and Show More Football podcast, reporter Colin Fray explains how the November international break could actually have a negative effect on Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, before their trip to Arsenal on Saturday.
The early-season form of centre-back Murillo was rewarded with a first senior call-up for Brazil, while in-form forward Chris Wood continued his fine exploits for New Zealand, scoring five times across two matches for the Kiwis.
“It is as difficult for Forest as it is for any other side,” said Fray. “We have been focused on Murillo, but Arsenal have Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli as part of that same Brazil squad. They are in exactly the same situation.
“It’s nothing new for Chris Wood to effectively travel the circumference of the globe to go and play for New Zealand. I suppose then you say, fair play to Chris Wood.
“What you know is if Chris Wood’s body doesn’t feel right, he won’t go and do it. He is in such good form at the moment but he just wants play football.”
In Forest’s first game after the October international break, Nuno’s team won 1-0 at Anfield to inflict a first defeat on new Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
“Forest have got to hope that they come back in similar fashion as before,” added Fray. “The first game back after the previous international break was at Liverpool, of course.
“They will need a similar performance as that against Arsenal.”
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds now