Nottingham Forest are expected to be without goalkeeper Dean Henderson for both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final, due to loan rules of the competition.
The on loan goalkeeper was the hero in the penalty shootout against Wolves on Wednesday night. He saved spot kicks from Ruben Neves and Joe Hodge to send Forest through to the final four of the competition.
The draw for the two-legged semi-finals was done shortly after full-time, with Forest taking on Manchester United. The first leg will take place at the City Ground in just under two weeks time with the second leg a week later at Old Trafford.
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Henderson is on loan from United a Forest, meaning that he will not be eligible to feature against his parent club. Carabao Cup rules state that: “Players registered on a temporary basis will not be eligible to play unless the Club holding his full registration gives its written consent.”
Therefore, the only way that Henderson could feature in the two legs is by having written permission from parent club United. Given the stage of the competition and importance of the tie, it seems unlikely that the club will agree to allowing Henderson to play against them.
It therefore means that substitute goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is expected to start both games. The Welshman was first choice for his nation in the World Cup in Qatar, until he was shown a red card in the second of three group games.
Speaking after the game, Cooper admitted that not having Henderson available for the clash was not a situation he had thought about.
“I have only just thought of that, it is frustrating. After seeing the night he had tonight, he was excellent in the penalty shoot-out but he was good in the game, more than good in the game,” he said/
“It’s unfortunate. He’s part of our group, he is so invested in the group and how we work, what we’re trying to accelerate in terms of what we want to become.
“To do that you need a really good goalkeeper. Not only is he committing as a goalkeeper, he is buying into being in the city and the greater good of the club.
“It has put a dampener on it for me tonight.”
Asked if Forest might ask United for permission to play Henderson, Cooper said: “I’m unsure about that, but if there is (a chance), then obviously it’s something we will look into the possibility of pursuing. But it’s all just talk at the minute, I guess.
“We haven’t really had a chance to breathe since the game. We’ll pick that up as and when.”
Asked what his thoughts would be if roles were reversed and he was in Erik ten Hag’s shoes, the Reds head coach added: “I’ve not really been in that situation, so I’ve not had to think about it, to be honest.”
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