Nottingham Forest have officially confirmed their updated squad list for the Europa League knockout stage playoffs, featuring significant changes ahead of their highly anticipated showdown with Fenerbahçe.
The biggest news from the City Ground is the exclusion of Brazilian goalkeeper John. The former Botafogo man suffered a season-ending injury during the recent match against Aston Villa, forcing Nuno Espírito Santo to lean on Angus Gunn and Matz Sels for the remainder of the European campaign.
New Faces and Tactical Shifts
To bolster the squad, Forest have registered three new players:
- Jair Cunha: The highly-rated Brazilian defender earns his spot.
- Lorenzo Lucca: The towering striker signed in January.
- Omari Hutchinson: Added to provide flair in the final third.
Departures also influenced the list. Arnaud Kalimuendo (loaned to Frankfurt) and Cuiabano (returned to Brazil with Vasco da Gama) have been removed, alongside veteran defender Willy Boly, who has been out of action since December.
The Brazilian Core
Despite the loss of John and Cuiabano, Nottingham Forest remains one of the most “Brazilian” sides in England. Key defenders Murillo and Morato, along with in-form striker Igor Jesus, remain eligible and are expected to play vital roles in the playoffs.
Europa League Playoff Schedule
The battle against the Turkish giants will be a two-legged affair:
- Leg 1: February 19th – Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Istanbul (17:45 CET).
- Leg 2: February 26th – The City Ground, Nottingham (21:00 CET).
Full Nottingham Forest UEL Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Gunn, Sels.
- Defenders: Aina, Murillo, Jair, Milenkovic, Morato, Savona, Neco Williams.
- Midfielders: Anderson, Domínguez, Gibbs-White, McAtee, Sangaré, Yates.
- Forwards: Bakwa, Hutchinson, Hudson-Odoi, Lucca, Igor Jesus, Ndoye, Wood.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
