Nottingham Forest coach Ange Postecoglou has confirmed he will take advantage of a new UEFA regulation in the Europa League and Ola Aina suffered a long-term injury ahead of the 2025/2026 Europa league group stage.
The defender faces at least three months out with a hamstring problem sustained on international duty for Nigeria, leaving the Reds short in defence.
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Ola Aina had already been named in Forest’s squad for the Europa League group stage, but a rule change this season gives the club a possible lifeline.
UEFA now permits teams to make a temporary replacement for an outfield player ruled out through long-term injury or illness.
The adjustment can be made during the league phase, ensuring clubs are not unfairly handicapped by unforeseen absences.
Forest head coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed the Reds are actively considering the option.
“Yeah, I think there’s that opportunity,” he said before Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash at Swansea.”
“UEFA have changed the rule and it gives you that chance. We’ll probably wait until the last minute, in case something else happens.”
” Ola will miss pretty much all of the first round, so it makes sense to look at replacing him. We’ll make a decision probably after the Burnley game.”
The most likely replacement is Oleksandr Zinchenko, who narrowly missed out on the initial list.
Other contenders include Omari Hutchinson, Angus Gunn, Jair Cunha and striker Taiwo Awoniyi.
Forest’s Europa League campaign begins away to Real Betis next Wednesday — their first appearance in European competition for three decades.
The Reds will also face Porto, FC Midtjylland, Malmo, Ferencvaros, Sturm Graz, Utrecht and Braga during the league phase.
If Forest choose to act, Aina’s absence could open the door for another key player to step into the European spotlight under the new UEFA rule.
