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Nottingham Forest have sparked surprise and debate after confirming that Oleksandr Zinchenko and Omari Hutchinson will not feature in their Europa League squad for the league phase. The club announced their 22-man ‘List A’ squad on Tuesday, with both summer arrivals omitted due to UEFA’s squad registration restrictions.
Zinchenko, 28, joined Forest from Arsenal on a season-long loan on deadline day and was widely expected to provide Champions League experience and versatility in defence and midfield. Hutchinson, meanwhile, became the club’s record signing when he arrived from Ipswich Town for £37.5 million and was tipped to play a major role in attack.
However, UEFA’s regulations reduced Forest’s squad limit to 22 players because they only had one club-trained player, Ryan Yates instead of the required four. That left manager Nuno Espírito Santo with difficult decisions, resulting in Zinchenko and Hutchinson missing out alongside summer arrivals Angus Gunn, Jair Cunha, and Cuiabano, as well as forwards Jota Silva and Taiwo Awoniyi.
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In contrast, signings Dan Ndoye, Dilane Bakwa, John Victor, James McAtee, and Douglas Luiz all made the cut as Forest prepare for their first European campaign in more than 30 years, beginning away to Real Betis on September 24.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko (Image credit: Getty Images)
The exclusion of Zinchenko, who has made 44 Champions League appearances with Manchester City and Arsenal, baffled fans, especially given Nuno’s earlier concerns about squad depth at full-back. Only Ola Aina, Neco Williams, and Nicolo Savona were named as recognised full-backs in the squad.
Hutchinson’s omission also raised eyebrows, particularly as he is the club’s record signing. The 21-year-old former Arsenal academy winger has made just two substitute appearances since joining, and his absence has fuelled speculation of tension between Nuno and Forest’s recruitment team, led by ex-Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar.
Reports suggest Edu played a major role in Hutchinson’s transfer, while Nuno’s selection hints at a preference for balance over high-profile additions.
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Fan reactions were swift and critical. One supporter wrote on X: “Absolutely baffled by the Europa squad. No Zinchenko is possibly the strangest,” while another labelled the decisions “madness” that could “come back to bite us.”
The inclusion of veteran defender Willy Boly, who has rarely featured since April, and injured midfielder Nicolas Domínguez ahead of the new signings has only deepened the sense of confusion.
Forest’s registration issues are tied to UEFA rules that cap ‘List A’ squads at 25, but with only one club-trained player available, their maximum was reduced to 22. Hutchinson, despite being under 21, could not be registered as a ‘List B’ player because he has not been at the club for two years.
Both players remain eligible for domestic competitions, and Forest will have the option to make up to three changes to their Europa League squad should they progress to the knockout stages.
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