Nottingham Forest qualified for the UEFA Europa League this season off the back of the brilliant work they did last campaign in the English Premier League, Soccernet.ng reports.

Two Super Eagles stars – Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina played crucial roles for Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side, but both players suffered injuries towards the end of last season, with the striker’s fate insufferably worse.

Awoniyi suffered an abdominal injury after clashing with the woodwork in Forest’s clash against Leicester City last season. The aftermath saw him get into an induced coma, and then two surgical procedures.

Since then, the former Union Berlin striker has yet to kick a ball at the City Ground, and might’ve kicked his last after the two-time UEFA Champions League winners brought in recruitments this summer.

Taiwo Awoniyi collides with the goalposts during the Nottingham Forest FC v Leicester City FC English Premier League match at the City Ground, Nottingham. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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Awoniyi dumped out of Forest’s squad

Nuno’s side have signed Igor Jesus and Arnauld Kalimuendo to join Chris Wood in attack, hinting the Nigerian might not be part of the club’s plans anymore although his current contract runs out in the summer of 2027.

According to the BBC, Awoniyi has been left out of Forest’s squad for the initial UEFA Europa League Group Phase.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo walks around the pitch with Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood as they applaud the fans after the Premier League match at City Ground, Nottingham. [Photo Credit/ ImagoxMartinxRickett].

The Reds are set to play against Real Betis, FC Midtjylland, FC Porto, Sturm Graz, Malmo FF, FC Utrecht, Braga, and Ferencvaros in their journey to make the Europa League’s Round of 16, come February.

Awoniyi will not be playing in Europe, not until January at least (if he hasn’t joined a new club by then), where the clubs will be able to make adjustments to the players they registered again.

Other notable omissions from Forest’s Europa League squad was their record signing – Omari Hutchinson, who joined from Ipswich Town for £37.5m.

Former Arsenal full-back, Oleksandr Zinchenko, a deadline day loan signing, was also left out. Jota Silva, Angus Gunn, Jair Cunha, alongside Awoniyi were also left out.

Nottingham Forest players hold up Taiwo Awoniyis shirt in support — Nottingham Forest players hold up Taiwo Awoniyi’s shirt in support. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Teams can name up to 25 players in their List A squads but Forest only have one club-trained player – Ryan Yates – who has been at the club for three or more years between the age of 15 and 21.

UEFA want four club-trained players in squads, otherwise clubs are limited by the numbers they do not have, so Forest can only name a 22-man squad.