Nottingham Forest loanee handed big chance after Rafa Silva back-injury chaos

Nottingham Forest winger Jota Silva may finally get a real chance to establish himself at Beşiktaş after a turbulent week dominated by Rafa Silva’s back-injury row and a sudden breakdown in relations inside Sergen Yalçın’s squad. According to Turkish outlet Sabah, the situation has spiralled into what they describe as a “crisis”, with the atmosphere around the team turning increasingly tense. 

The drama centres on Rafa Silva, who has reportedly clashed with Yalçın to the point of threatening retirement. Beşiktaş staff even delayed his back-pain treatment until long after team training to prevent him crossing paths with the group. With the chaos unresolved, Rafa has now been pushed out of the squad for the upcoming clash with Samsunspor — unexpectedly opening the door for Forest loanee Jota.

For a player who has managed only 113 minutes in five appearances since arriving from the City Ground in the summer, this weekend represents his biggest opportunity yet. Whether this becomes a turning point or simply another cameo depends on what he can deliver when the pressure is finally on his side.

The situation presents a straightforward outcome: Rafa Silva is ruled out, the dressing room is unsettled, and Yalçın must make pragmatic choices. Jota steps into the left-wing role, while El Bilal Toure is expected to shift centrally. It’s a rotated XI, but also one set up to test fringe players Yalçın has previously been unsure about.

Reports from Turkey suggest the manager was not fully convinced by Jota’s signing. That makes this cameo more than just another selection — it’s an audition.

Having followed Beşiktaş closely this season, the biggest issue isn’t quality — it’s stability. The Rafa Silva saga highlights a deeper cultural tension within the squad. In our view, Jota’s unexpected elevation could actually help calm the situation because he arrives without baggage and offers the sort of direct, energetic style that fans respond to.

There’s a nuance worth noting: although some in Turkey argue Jota isn’t technically at Rafa’s level, the tactical fit for Yalçın’s current needs may favour the loanee. This opportunity isn’t just circumstantial; it’s also logical based on what Beşiktaş require in transition.

From Nottingham Forest’s perspective, this is also a critical window. Loan players often need one signature performance abroad to alter their trajectory. If Jota impresses, Forest suddenly have either a more valuable returnee or a stronger sale asset — which matters given their FFP scrutiny.

Beşiktaş have been stretched thin on the flanks all season, with rotation forced rather than planned. Jota’s introduction isn’t simply a one-game stopgap; it could reshape how Yalçın manages minutes going into a congested December schedule. If he performs well, he could easily climb ahead of at least two players in the pecking order — especially with Rafa Silva’s situation unresolved.

Beşiktaş face Samsunspor on 24 November 2025, where Jota is expected to start. If he delivers, he could secure a more permanent role while the club continues to navigate the Rafa Silva conflict.

👉 Beşiktaş fans — do you think Jota Silva can seize this opening or is he only filling a temporary gap?