Nottingham Forest: Europa League call suggests Stefan Ortega could force Matz Sels to leave

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Credit: Imago Wed 18 March 2026 20:15, UK Stefan Ortega’s return to Nottingham Forest‘s Europa League squad could well show that Matz Sels is on his way out of the club this summer.Ortega joined Forest from Man City on a short-term contract in January after failing to make an appearance in the first half of the campaign.He made his Reds debut under Sean Dyche against Leeds on 6 February, then went on to make another four appearances last month, keeping two clean sheets.Sels’ return from injury has seen him reinstated as Forest’s number one by Vitor Pereira, but he has not been any better than the ex-Man City stopper, and is clearly worse when using his feet.Forest’s transfer plans are on the back burner as they fight relegation, but the latest development around their keepers could give an insight into what their plans are this summer.Credit: Imago 🔄 Nottingham Forest Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Nottingham Forest boardroom. VISIT THE FOREST TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Stefan Ortega is back in Forest’s Europa League squad and could start against MidtjyllandOrtega was initially left out of Forest’s revised Europa League squad by Dyche ahead of their two-legged playoff clash against Fenerbahce.He then replaced Sels in the squad after his injury, and played in both games against the Turkish giants, conceding twice in the second leg as they progressed 4-2 on aggregate.However, due to being a replacement in the squad and not officially named in it, Ortega was then unavailable for Forest’s first leg round of 16 tie against Midtjylland, which they lost 1-0 with Sels in goal.The club confirmed on Wednesday that the 33-year-old has now been officially added to their UEFA A list and will be in the squad to face the Danish side on Thursday.Given recent form and his extensive European experience, it would certainly be no surprise to see Ortega named in Forest’s starting eleven for the must-win second leg tie.The fact that he has been added to the squad points to Pereira preparing to make such a big decision, and dropping Sels could well highlight that he is on his way out this summer.He has not been anywhere near his best this season, with many Forest fans admitting that Ortega has been better since he joined and deserves to start regularly.Nottingham Forest can confirm Stefan Ortega has been added to the club’s UEFA A list ahead of the Europa League Round of 16 second leg against FC Midtjylland.— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 18, 2026 View Tweet Pereira looks set to give the German stopper his chance on Thursday, and he could well stay in the team for the rest of the season if he plays well.That would surely mean he signs a new, longer contract if Forest stay up, which could well spell the end of the road for Sels at the City Ground, as he will surely not want to stay as a backup without European football.How can fans watch Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest?This game could well dictate the future of both keepers at the club, especially as it is one of Forest’s biggest in years as they look to keep their European dream alive.Football Insider have revealed that Man City could spend big to land Elliot Anderson this summer, but qualifying for the Champions League through this competition could go a long way to helping Forest keep their best player.Those in the UK will be able to tune into the action on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+, with the match set to kick off at 5:45pm on Thursday, 19 March.

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