Ethan Nwaneri has been named in Borussia Dortmund’s senior Champions League squad, a necessary step to allow him to play in the competition.
Borussia Dortmund have submitted their official Champions League squad to UEFA, naming 24 senior players out of a maximum of 25. Most notably from an Arsenal perspective, loanee Ethan Nwaneri has been named a senior player.
At Arsenal, Nwaneri wouldn’t need to be named on the senior list. He’s under the age of 21 and he’s been at the club for multiple years, which qualifies him for the unlimited B-list.
But Nwaneri hasn’t been a Dortmund player for long enough to qualify for their B-list, so using a senior spot on him was the only way to make him eligible for matches.
This means Nwaneri will also be eligible to play against Arsenal in their League Phase match at home to Dortmund on November 24th.
Unlike in the Premier League, players are allowed to play against their parent clubs in the Champions League. In fact, it’s prohibited by UEFA to reach an agreement to deny a player the chance to face their parent club.
Dortmund also play Villarreal (H, Sept 8th), Bodo/Glimt (A, Oct 14th), Sabah (A, Oct 20th), Betis (H, Nov 4th), Inter Milan (H, Dec 9th), Aston Villa (A, Jan 19th), and AEK Athens (H, Jan 27th).
It’s worth noting that Arsenal have a recall clause for Nwaneri in January, so it’s possible they may recall him before the Villa and AEK matches.
Which position Nwaneri will play for Dortmund remains to be seen, but he’s suggested he’s happy to be anywhere across the front four.
“I think any of the four attacking positions suit me,” Nwaneri said. “The main thing is to be somewhere in the attack, with the goal close by. I like being close to the goal. I like being part of the build-up play. Whether on the wings or in the center.
“I don’t think there’s one position I prefer over the others. I really enjoy playing in any of these attacking positions and look forward to it.”
Before Dortmund’s Champions League campaign kicks off, they’ll travel away to Hoffenheim for a Bundesliga match on Saturday, at 14:30 BST.
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