Nottingham Forest made a significant move on deadline day, securing the services of Matz Sels from Strasbourg for €6 million. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo wasted no time in including the goalkeeper in the starting lineup for an immediate debut, coinciding with the team’s upcoming match against Bournemouth.
In addition to Sels, Forest has made two other notable signings. Gio Reyna, on loan from Borussia Dortmund, and Rodrigo Ribeiro, on loan with a view to a permanent move from Sporting Lisbon, are both listed as substitutes, underscoring the depth and quality of the squad that Forest is assembling.
The starting XI for Forest reflects six changes from their previous Premier League match against Arsenal. Taiwo Awoniyi, returning from a groin injury, earns his first start since early November. However, Chris Wood is absent from the lineup due to a hamstring problem.
The team is set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sels guarding the goal, supported by the defensive lineup of Williams, Omobamidele, Murillo, and Tavares. Yates and Domínguez pair up in midfield, while Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, and Elanga take on attacking midfield roles to assist Awoniyi up front.
Noteworthy substitutes for Forest include Turner, Vlachodimos, Toffolo, Felipe, Niakhaté, Reyna, Danilo, Montiel, and Ribeiro. This deep and diverse bench provides manager Nuno Espirito Santo with various tactical options and the ability to make strategic changes throughout the game.
The immediate debut of Sels and the strategic formation adjustments signal Nottingham Forest’s commitment to strengthening and evolving as a competitive force in the Premier League. The impact of these new signings is eagerly anticipated as Forest continues to progress in the ongoing season.
Hong Kong government wants explanation for Messi’s absence friendly
The Hong Kong government is seeking an explanation from the event organizer following Lionel Messi’s absence from the Inter Miami friendly match against a Hong Kong XI in the city.
Expressing extreme disappointment, the government announced its intention to reconsider the funding it provided for the event, known as ‘Tatler XFEST Hong Kong’.
Despite being listed on Miami’s teamsheet and introduced as one of the substitutes, Messi did not play, leaving the 40,000 fans at Hong Kong Stadium, who had eagerly chanted his name during Sunday’s 4-1 victory for Miami, dissatisfied. Many of them demanded a refund as Messi remained an unused substitute.
Miami coach Tata Martino addressed the disappointment, acknowledging the fans’ feelings and clarifying that Messi’s absence was attributed to injury after the conclusion of the match.