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Nottingham Forest are seeking a loophole in the Carabao Cup rules so loan goalkeeper Dean Henderson can face parent club Man United in the semi-finals… with Erik ten Hag needing special permission to play
Nottingham Forest are trying to find a way to ensure Dean Henderson can play in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United, although they have little hope of success.
Henderson was the hero in Forest’s quarter-final win over Wolves, saving two shots in a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win, but the terms of his loan deal with United mean he is unlikely to can participate in the match back and forth. quarterfinal tie.
Under current regulations, United would have to grant permission for Henderson to play, a risk they probably wouldn’t take.
Dean Henderson was the hero in Nottingham Forest’s penalty shootout when they beat Wolves, but the loanee goalkeeper will be unable to face parent club Manchester United in the semi-finals.
United manager Erik ten Hag would have to grant special permission for Henderson to play
The alternative would be for Forest to try to make the loan deal a permanent deal, but again, that would require United’s approval.
Forest manager Steve Cooper said: “I’m not sure about the situation, but if there’s [a chance he can play]So obviously it’s something we’ll consider pursuing.
But I guess it’s all words to the minute. We haven’t really had a chance to breathe since the game. We will pick it up as and when.
Article 6.3 of the Carabao Cup rules and regulations prohibit Henderson from facing United
Forest boss Steve Cooper said the club will look for loopholes so Henderson can play.
There is a precedent from the 2014 Champions League, when Thibaut Courtois was allowed to play for Atlético Madrid against parent club Chelsea in the semi-final.
Reports at the time suggested Courtois would only be able to play if Atlético paid Chelsea a substantial sum, something the club had said it could not do, until UEFA released a statement saying any such contract clause would be invalid. and that Courtois could play.
But the rules for the Carabao Cup are different and it remains to be seen if Forest can find a loophole.
Thibaut Courtois was able to play for Atlético de Madrid against Chelsea in 2014