Elliot Anderson is unavailable for Nottingham Forest’s Europa League meeting with FC Porto following the death of his mother, the club have announced.
A Forest statement read: ‘Elliot Anderson is unavailable for tonight’s fixture following the passing of his beloved mother, Helen.
‘Everyone at Nottingham Forest Football Club extends its deepest condolences to Elliot and his family following this extremely sad news.
‘Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the Anderson family at this difficult time.’
The 23-year-old midfielder has made 42 appearances for Forest this season and has been one of their most impressive players.
He has also established himself as a key member of the England squad and is expected to play at the World Cup this summer.
Kind words have flooded in for Anderson and his family, including from Nottingham Forest’s opponents Porto.
‘Our thoughts are with Elliot Anderson and his family tonight. Everyone at FC Porto sends their deepest condolences during this difficult time,’ the Portuguese club wrote on X.
Anderson was absent from training on Wednesday morning.
He did not take part in Forest’s 1-1 draw in Porto last week as he was serving a suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.
Vitor Pereira’s side are hoping to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League in what is their first European campaign since 1995-96, when they made the last eight of the competition when it was known as the UEFA Cup.
They have a rich heritage on the continent, having won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 under Brian Clough.
