Nottingham Forest will be concerned about Zach Abbott after 0% stats uncovered

Nottingham Forest made the tough decision to loan Zach Abbott out to Southampton for the 2026-27 campaign.

THe 20-year-old full-back had emerged as an exciting talent at the City Ground last season, amassing 10 appearances across all competitions.

Many of those came in Forest's Europa League journey, including games against Midtjylland and Porto, and he featured heavily in pre-season.

However, with Neco Williams and Ola Aina starring, and Daniel Munoz arriving from Crystal Palace, his development was clearly more important.

Championship giants Southampton secured him for the season, but until recently, he had failed to make his way into the starting lineup.

He was given the nod against Norwich City on Wednesday, 14 October, and though the Saints won 1-0, it wasn't an ideal game for the youngster.

Zach Abbott embarrassed on his first Southampton start

In his first start for Southampton, there is no doubt that Abbott will be feeling pretty deflated and disappointed in himself now.

After just 45 minutes, he was hooked and replaced by James Bree, the same as veteran Ryan Manning, having both been cautioned in the first half.

In that time, he only completed 73 per cent of his 11 passes, was dispossessed once, made no tackles, lost 100 per cent of his ground duels, and committed four fouls [FotMob].

The Reds will have hoped that the season-long loan would boost the player's confidence, but the game against Norwich likely has done the complete opposite.

Supporters had big hopes for Abbott back at the City Ground, but it remains to be seen if those same hopes remain.

How are Nottingham Forest's other loanees faring?

Donnell McNeilly is certainly one to watch, having been loaned out to League One side Wimbledon, where has an assist in his first four games.

Tyler Bindon has also made an impressive start to life at Charlton, with the Addicks currently sitting 13th in the Championship after 10 games.

Forest have big hopes for the 21-year-old defender, and with 32 caps for New Zealand under his belt, there's no reason why he can't make it at the club.

In addition to him, fans will be keen to see Dilane Bakwa flourish upon returning to France. He's already scored twice and assisted once in seven games for Lille.