Nottingham Forest have pledged their “full support” to Gustavo Scarpa, with the midfielder at the center of a remarkable £1 million cryptocurrency scam.
Scarpa has been unavailable for Forest’s first-team this month after flying back to Brazil in a desperate attempt to recover the huge sum of money.
A former Palmeiras player, Scarpa has filed a lawsuit after investing in a cryptocurrency venture last year which has resulted in a £1 million loss.
It is understood that the 29-year-old invested in a company called WLJC, but a number of deadlines for the money to be returned have been missed.
Forest gave him permission to attend court hearings in Sao Paulo this week and Scarpa only returned to Nottingham on Wednesday.
Signed on a free transfer in January, Scarpa has not been involved in Steve Cooper’s squad for the past two matches.
It is understood that the Brazilian is struggling with the ordeal and will not be available for the Premier League match against Newcastle on Friday night.
Cooper said: “It’s an unfortunate situation and he’s got our full support with it.
“We’re supporting Gustavo in terms of what he’s going through and of course it affects football performance and availability, and all that sort of stuff.
“He has had some personal issues to sort out and we are giving him our support, which includes allowing him to travel back.
“We want him settled in his mind and sorting out the situation. Hopefully he can get it sorted out and then focus on his availability for us.”
Scarpa has made eight appearances for Forest since his arrival and last played in the 2-0 defeat at Fulham on Feb 11.
Forest, meanwhile, are hopeful that Wales international Brennan Johnson will recover for Friday night’s game against Newcastle.
Johnson has had a scan this week on a groin problem which forced him off late in the defeat at Tottenham on Saturday.