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Danilo injury update as Bournemouth star sends apologies after 'serious' incident
Nuno Espirito Santo has reacted to Danilo's horror injury in Nottingham Forest's 1-1 Premier League draw against Bournemouth.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has provided a worrying update after Danilo was stretchered off in the early stages of Saturday's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. Danilo suffered a horrific ankle injury just eight minutes into the match, which will keep him sidelined for a prolonged period.
Chris Wood pounced on a rebounded strike from the Brazilian's replacement, Ryan Yates, to open the scoring after 23 minutes.
Forest failed to build on their lead, though, and after Dango Ouattara's disallowed first-half equaliser, Antoine Semenyo levelled the score with four minutes remaining to earn the visitors a point.
Espirito Santo named Danilo in his starting midfield duo alongside Ibrahim Sangare as Forest embarked on their third Premier League season since their 2022 return.
However, the 23-year-old endured a nightmare start to his campaign after breaking his ankle just eight minutes into the match.
Danilo contested an aerial duel with Semenyo but looked in severe pain as he hit the turf, prompting medics to rush towards the centre circle.
Gruesome replays showed his lower leg seemingly snapping due to the impact of an awkward landing as a concerned silence spread across the City Ground.
Large flags were utilised as a makeshift shield while Danilo received treatment before he was stretchered off the pitch to supportive applause.
After the match, Espirito Santo offered a concerning assessment of his midfielder's condition ahead of the remainder of the season.
"It's a tough moment for all, especially for Danilo. We don't know yet what has happened, but we know it's serious," the former Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur boss explained.
"We're going to miss him as a player and a person. He is a top, top [player and person]. Since last season he has been talented in the way he manages the game.
"He is a very good player so it is a tough moment. Everyone loves him in the dressing room."
Espirito Santo later confirmed that Danilo had broken his ankle.
Semenyo sent his well wishes and apologised to Danilo after full-time, telling Premier League Productions: "I don't remember much. I just remember getting an elbow to the back of my head and landing on my arm.
"I didn't think anything of it, but then I got up and saw he was being stretchered off. Sorry to him, and I hope he [Danilo] recovers well."
Wood also reacted in the aftermath. "It's not a nice one when a teammate goes down on the pitch like that," the 32-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"He is a great guy and loved by everyone. We will be here to support him in any way possible for him and the family, and I know he will come back stronger.
"As footballers, you just want to play a nice game and not have to worry about anything like that. It is not nice to see and we will support him. Whatever it is, he will come back stronger and come back a better man."