Nottingham Forest have left record signing Omari Hutchinson and Oleksandr Zinchenko out of their Europa League squad, with UEFA rules restricting them to just 22 List A players. Despite spending big in the summer, Forest’s lack of ‘club-trained’ players has forced head coach Nuno Espirito Santo to make difficult omissions ahead of their European campaign.
Hutchinson & Zinchenko omitted from Europa League squadUEFA rules limited Nottingham Forest to 22 List A playersForest kick off campaign against Real Betis on Sept 24Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
As per , Nottingham Forest were restricted to naming 22 players due to UEFA’s homegrown quota rules. As a result, Hutchinson, Zinchenko, Angus Gunn, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano have all been omitted from the squad. Jota Silva and Taiwo Awoniyi have also been left out, but summer signings Arnaud Kalimuendo, Dan Ndoye, Dilane Bakwa and Douglas Luiz all made the cut.
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The exclusion of Hutchinson is a major surprise given his status as Forest’s £37.5 million record signing. Arsenal loanee Zinchenko’s absence is arguably even more eye-catching, with full-back cover having been a major concern for Nuno in the latter parts of the summer transfer window.
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Hutchinson’s omission stems from competition in his position, with Bakwa, James McAtee, Ndoye, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Morgan Gibbs-White all currently ahead of him in the pecking order. Zinchenko’s versatility in both midfield and defence appeared to strengthen his case, but Forest opted for alternatives such as Ola Aina, Neco Williams and Nicolo Savona at full-back.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR NOTTINGHAM FOREST?
Forest will hope their 22-man squad proves enough to navigate the opening Europa League phase, which they kick off when facing Real Betis on September 24 at Estadio de La Cartuja. Should Nuno's side progress, both Hutchinson and Zinchenko may yet be added to the squad before the knockouts, as UEFA rules do allow three changes to the squad from that point.
