Nottingham Forest are considering making a change to their Europa League squad, following an injury to Ola Aina.
The Reds defender is unlikely to be back in action much before the end of the year. He is facing at least three months on the sidelines with a hamstring problem sustained while on international duty for Nigeria last week.
Forest’s squad for the league phase of the Europa League was confirmed prior to Aina’s injury, and included him in it. But a new rule introduced by UEFA for this season’s tournament, permitting the temporary replacement of an injured outfield player, will allow the club to make an alteration to their list.
“Yeah, I think there's that opportunity,” head coach Ange Postecoglou said ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash away to Swansea City (8pm kick-off). “We're going to assess it.
“My understanding is UEFA have changed that rule and it gives you that opportunity. What we'll probably do is wait until the last minute, in case something else happens.
“We've got the Swansea game now and then I think we can still make changes after the Burnley game. We can certainly make one change.
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“Ola will pretty much miss all of the first round (league phase games), so it makes sense for us to have a look at replacing him. We'll make a decision probably after the Burnley game.”
The Reds kick off their Europa League campaign away to Real Betis next Wednesday as they return to the continental stage for the first time in three decades. They have home games against FC Midtjylland, Porto, Malmo and Ferencvaros, along with away ties against Sturm Graz, Utrecht and Braga, to come as part of the league phase of the competition.
The most likely option to replace Aina in the squad is fellow full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko. However, Omari Hutchinson, Angus Gunn, Jair Cunha and Taiwo Awoniyi also failed to make the cut when the list was announced and could step in.
The new rule allows clubs to admit the temporary replacement of one outfield player who is ruled out for an extended period of time, either with a long-term injury or illness. The rule is applicable during the league phase of the tournament to ensure squad lists are not unfairly reduced and to minimise player workload.
Forest’s Europa League squad in full
Goalkeepers: Matz Sels, John Victor.
Defenders: Ola Aina, Willy Boly, Nikola Milenkovic, Morato, Murillo, Nicolo Savona, Neco Williams.
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Nicolas Domínguez, Morgan Gibbs-White, Douglas Luiz, James McAtee, Ibrahim Sangare, Ryan Yates.
Forwards: Dilane Bakwa, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Dan Ndoye, Chris Wood.
Who should replace Aina in the squad? Click HERE to have your say