New signing Stefan Ortega could make his Nottingham Forest debut against Leeds United at Elland Road
22:30, 05 Feb 2026
Stefan Ortega in training for Nottingham Forest
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Stefan Ortega in training for Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty)
Head coach Sean Dyche would have no qualms about throwing Stefan Ortega straight into action, if he decides to hand the Nottingham Forest newcomer his debut on Friday evening.
Goalkeeper Ortega signed a short-term contract with the Reds last Sunday after making the switch from Manchester City. He was introduced to the City Ground crowd before kick-off against Crystal Palace and then watched on as first-choice stopper Matz Sels sustained a groin problem.
Sels is now an injury doubt for tomorrow night's clash with Leeds United at Elland Road (8pm kick-off). He was replaced by summer arrival Angus Gunn at half-time against the Eagles, but it could be Ortega who gets the nod this time around.
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The German has not played since starting for City against Al Ain in the Club World Cup last June. If he features for Forest, he will likely also have a different style of play to contend with compared to that favoured by Pep Guardiola - but Dyche is not concerned on either count.
“He’s football-bright enough. He hasn’t just played at City, he’s been around a long time,” the Reds boss said of Ortega. “He’s well aware of different ways of playing; I don’t think he has to worry about that.
“His record is a strong one. He has joined in immediately, he has a good presence about him and a good personality.
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“Not playing since May is just the way it goes, there’s only one keeper that can play. I’ve said about all of our keepers that they can just slot in; I think they’re all more than capable.”
Ortega was highly regarded by Guardiola during his four years at the Etihad Stadium. The City boss once described the 33-year-old as “one of the best” goalkeepers he had seen in one-on-one situations.
“I hope he is, that would be helpful,” Dyche quipped. “If Pep says so, I’ll take it!
“I didn’t need to speak to City about him, we have a good goalkeeping department here, with Billy Mercer (goalkeeper coach) heading that up. They’ve got good eyes and have been doing it a long time so they know their way around who’s doing what.”
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