The 2024/25 season for Nottingham Forest has been nothing short of exhilarating, full of highs, challenges, and, as the final day proved, crushing disappointment. The Reds were on the verge of securing a place in next season’s prestigious UEFA Champions League, a feat that would have been monumental for a club that has spent much of its recent years rebuilding and fighting for survival in the Premier League. However, a 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the City Ground on the final day of the season denied them that coveted spot, a bitter blow after what had been a thrilling and historic campaign.

The single goal of the match came early in the second half, courtesy of Levi Colwill, who had scored a goal that would ultimately prove to be the one that denied Forest a top-four finish. The irony of Colwill’s goal cannot be ignored, as his error in the 2021/22 Championship Play-Off final had allowed Forest to clinch promotion to the Premier League. That victory in the play-offs marked the beginning of a new era for Forest, and to miss out on a Champions League spot, especially in such a dramatic fashion, was a painful reminder of how close the club came to realizing their European dreams.

Despite this gut-wrenching defeat, Forest could have still snatched that fourth spot if they had secured a win. The final day of the season had turned into a bizarre spectacle across the Premier League, as both Aston Villa and Newcastle faltered in their respective matches, with Villa losing to Manchester United and Newcastle falling to Everton. These results should have allowed Forest a chance to leapfrog them into fourth place. But, in the end, it was a game of “what if,” as Forest could only watch as their European aspirations slipped away, while Chelsea had done enough to hold onto a narrow 1-0 lead.

While the emotional toll of missing out on the Champions League would have been heavy for the club, players, and fans alike, the real concern emerged after the final whistle, with an injury to one of the team’s most influential players, Nicolas Dominguez. The Argentine midfielder has been one of the standout performers for Forest this season, and his incredible form was not only instrumental in Forest’s success but also in earning him a well-deserved place back in the Argentina national squad for the first time in years. Dominguez’s performances had helped stabilize Forest’s midfield, offering a blend of creativity, tenacity, and leadership that had been crucial to their top-half finish.

However, in the 67th minute of the Chelsea match, Dominguez’s season took a dramatic and worrying turn when he was the victim of a reckless challenge by Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. The tackle was an ill-timed one, and it left Dominguez writhing in pain on the pitch. Shockingly, referee Anthony Taylor opted not to penalize Madueke for the challenge, despite its clear potential to cause serious injury. Fans were left bewildered and frustrated by the lack of intervention, especially considering the severity of the challenge and the impact it had on Dominguez. It was clear from the moment Dominguez tried to walk off the field, only to quickly signal for the stretcher, that the injury was more than just a minor knock. His knee had clearly taken the brunt of the challenge, and the concern among Forest supporters began to rise immediately.

After the match, the tension around Dominguez’s condition only deepened. The sight of him wearing a large leg brace, slowly being assisted around the pitch to thank the fans, was a worrying image for supporters. The knee injury, which had initially seemed concerning, now appeared to be much more serious. For a player who has been a key figure in Forest’s midfield, this injury represents not just a personal setback but also a major blow for the club’s ambitions going forward. It was a heartbreaking sight for fans who have come to rely on Dominguez’s consistency and skill in the heart of midfield.

Nicolas Dominguez’s statistics from the season speak volumes about his importance to the team. His ability to break up opposition attacks, his range of passing, and his work ethic were central to Forest’s success this year. He played in 34 of Forest’s 38 Premier League matches, contributing with crucial interceptions, tackles, and key passes. More than just his defensive contributions, Dominguez also offered an attacking threat with his ability to dictate play and launch attacks from deep in midfield. His vision and technique have made him one of the most important players for Forest, and his absence would leave a sizable hole in the squad. Dominguez’s performances also saw him earn a place in the Argentina national team, a testament to his exceptional form and the recognition he has earned on the global stage.

For Forest, the impact of this injury could be felt for much longer than just the remainder of the season. Knee injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, and if this one proves to be as serious as feared, Dominguez could be sidelined for a significant period of time. Whether it’s a ligament tear, a meniscus injury, or a strain, such injuries can be unpredictable and often require months of rehabilitation. For a player whose style is heavily reliant on his mobility, agility, and stamina, a knee injury could have long-lasting consequences. The club and fans will be nervously awaiting medical updates, hoping for good news but bracing for the possibility of an extended recovery period.

Dominguez’s injury could also have an impact on his international prospects. He had recently earned a recall to the Argentina national team after a number of years of being overlooked, a reward for his exceptional performances for Forest. To see his return to the international fold potentially derailed by injury would be a huge disappointment, not only for Dominguez but for his national team ambitions as well. With upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the Copa América on the horizon, a long-term injury could prevent him from taking part in these prestigious tournaments, further compounding his frustration. Dominguez will now be hoping that the injury is not as severe as first feared, so that he can continue his international career alongside his club duties.

For Forest, the loss of Dominguez for any length of time would be a huge blow as they look to build on this season’s success. The club had high hopes of pushing on and improving their standing in the Premier League, and Dominguez was always going to be a key part of that. If his injury keeps him out for a prolonged period, Forest will need to find a way to fill the void in midfield. Whether that means dipping into the transfer market or relying on existing squad members to step up, it will be a challenge for manager Espirito Santo and the club’s coaching staff.

Looking ahead to next season, the pressure will be on for Forest to continue progressing, but it will be even harder without a fully fit Dominguez. The club will need to adjust its plans and strategies depending on the severity of his injury, and the fans will be eagerly awaiting news on his recovery. For now, the focus must be on supporting Dominguez through this difficult period and hoping that he can make a speedy recovery. The talent and determination that he’s shown this season make it clear that he has the potential to return stronger than ever, and Forest fans will be hoping that, come the new season, Dominguez will be back in action, helping his team strive for even greater success.