Nottingham Forest goalkeeper John is planning a short-term return to Brazil as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, according to a report from local outlet O Globo.
The 30-year-old, who plays in the Premier League, is expected to complete the final stage of his rehabilitation at Botafogo’s training centre in Rio de Janeiro.
John underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on January 14 in London after suffering cartilage damage earlier this year. Before the injury, he had established himself as Nottingham Forest’s first-choice goalkeeper and had already received two call-ups to the Brazil national team in late 2025.
The plan now is to accelerate his path back to full fitness while keeping his international ambitions alive ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Final phase of Nottingham Forest recovery
The player himself recently has explained the decision to undergo surgery. Now according to O Globo, John has already completed most of the physical conditioning stage of his recovery. The move to train at Botafogo is intended to support the final step before returning to full field work.
The Rio club holds personal significance for the goalkeeper. John previously played for Botafogo and was part of the squad that won both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian league during his time there. As a result, the club’s facilities and environment are seen as a comfortable setting for his rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s national team staff have maintained regular contact with the goalkeeper while he recovers. Being in Brazil could make those interactions easier as he approaches the decisive phase of his comeback.
Race to return for Nottingham Forest
For Nottingham Forest, the key issue is timing. John had become a central figure in the team’s Premier League campaign before the injury disrupted his season.
His rehabilitation suggests that a return to the pitch is getting closer. However, the club will likely take a cautious approach to avoid setbacks after knee surgery.
From John’s perspective, the motivation is clear. He already entered the Brazil setup last year and now aims to stay in the conversation ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
If the recovery proceeds without complications, Forest could soon have their first-choice goalkeeper back. And the player himself may still have a chance to keep his international hopes alive.
