John Victor ruled out for season in blow to Forest

Forest Lose Goalkeeper John Victor for Season With Knee Injury

Nottingham Forest have been dealt a major blow after goalkeeper John Victor was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury sustained earlier this month.

The 29-year-old Brazilian was forced off during Forest’s 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa on 3 January, after injuring his knee while trying to stop a goal from John McGinn.

Although manager Sean Dyche initially described it as a “minor operation,” sources have now confirmed to BBC Sport that Victor will not return this term.

Goalkeeping Dilemma as Forest Scramble for Replacement

With only Angus Gunn available to back up first-choice Matz Sels, Forest have reopened talks with Wolves to sign experienced Portuguese keeper Jose Sa before the Monday transfer deadline.

Sels and Victor had been rotating between the sticks this season, but the latest injury leaves Forest short of options for the Premier League run-in.

“John Victor is injured unfortunately and has had a minor operation on his knee,” said Dyche earlier this month. “We’re not sure on the timescale yet.”

That timeline is now confirmed — and it leaves Forest in urgent need of reinforcement.

Sa Deal Hinges on Wolves Finding Replacement

Forest’s pursuit of Jose Sa, Wolves’ current No.1, is progressing, but the Molineux club are reluctant to let him leave without lining up a new goalkeeper of their own.

The 33-year-old Sa has made a strong impression since arriving from Olympiacos in 2021 and remains a key part of Wolves’ survival fight as they sit bottom of the Premier League.

His departure would also directly impact Sam Johnstone, who has attracted interest from Tottenham, but any movement depends on Sa’s situation.

Injury Pile-Up for Forest Continues

John Victor joins a growing injury list at Forest, with striker Chris Wood — the club’s top scorer last season with 20 goals — also sidelined long-term following knee surgery in December.

Victor, who arrived from Botafogo in the summer, made nine appearances for the club and had started five consecutive Premier League matches before suffering the injury at Villa Park.

Forest now face a critical few days ahead of the deadline as they aim to secure a reliable stopper to bolster their survival bid.