Nuno Espírito Santo reveals whether Nottingham Forest’s new signings will feature against Brentford

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Nuno Espírito Santo has cut an uncharacteristically frustrated figure in front of the press, but Nottingham Forest’s three incoming signings will surely boost his mood.

Omari Hutchinson is travelling for his Forest medical on Friday after a £37m fee was agreed with Ipswich for his services, where he will be immediately reunited with two of his England U21 teammates.

As well as Elliot Anderson, James McAtee is also set to join Forest to make up a midfield of the U21 Euros holders, who will look to supply new striker Arnaud Kalimuendo when his arrival is also confirmed.

It’s full throttle in the transfer market, then, with Espírito Santo revealing in his pre-match press conference whether any of the new faces will arrive in time for Sunday’s clash with Brentford.

Nuno Espírito Santo talks Nottingham Forest’s new signings

The new signings couldn’t have come at a better time as Espírito Santo has voiced his concerns about the Forest squad in its current shape ahead of the new season.

Although the reinforcements are imminent, Nuno has told the press that he does not expect any of them to be available for Sunday.

He said: “Things are moving, potentially I know the news is medicals and these details, but let’s see, we need players.

“I think, for sure, they are not going to be available for Sunday, but after that, it’ll make us better and stronger.”

Frustrating then for Nuno and the Reds fans who can’t wait to see their new additions in action, with one Premier League rule the reason that Brentford will come too soon for them.

Why Nottingham Forest’s new signings are unable to play

While there was hope that McAtee would be finalised during the week, it seemingly hasn’t worked out that way for him or the other two imminent incomings.

Unfortunately for all involved, Premier League rules state that a player must be registered by noon on the final working day before the fixture, which would’ve been Friday for Forest.

Therefore, Espírito Santo will go into the new campaign with the same group that struggled for goals during pre-season, notching only once in seven winless games.

Nuno has been experimenting with two strikers but given the combination of his concern and the pre-season form, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Forest revert back to their familiar 4-2-3-1 against Brentford.