Gonzalo Montiel hasn’t played for Nottingham Forest since February and perhaps there is an underlying reason why he’s not featuring.
The Argentine was last seen in the Garibaldi when he was hobbling out of the FA Cup replay against Bristol City – and he’s not been back on the pitch since.
Nuno Espirito Santo has suggested previously that he’s injured. However, Forest star Montiel was on the bench against Aston Villa and perhaps there’s another reason why he’s not featuring.
Forest have agreed deal to sign Gonzalo Montiel permanently
When the Reds agreed to sign Montiel on loan, it was agreed that he’d move permanently if a certain number of appearances was made. Now, he’s only eight City Ground outings away from that milestone.
As a result, is there a question that Forest are preferring other options at the moment? Perhaps with relegation hanging over the club right now, the Reds are curious about triggering the clause in Montiel’s loan.
According to reports, Forest will have to part with £9 million if Montiel plays another eight matches. The Reds only have 10 games remaining in the Premier League and perhaps a decision is being made behind the scenes.
Forest must be careful over World Cup winner
The last thing Forest will want to do is pay £9 million to Sevilla for Montiel, get relegated and then be lumbered with a player on big wages they can’t offload.
With just 10 games remaining, there is a real belief, in our opinion, that Montiel is being left out right now to avoid the milestone number of games being reached.
Forest play Luton on Saturday and Espirito Santo will dearly hope that he can get his strongest eleven on the pitch. In truth, Neco Williams has been brilliant of late and it would be harsh on the Wales international to drop him for that one.
Montiel’s omission of late has been a bit mystifying, however. With that in mind, it will be fascinating to discover whether the World Cup winner is actually injured or if the club are just going to pick and choose certain games which he plays in.
