Nottingham Forest will be without Nigerian international Ola Aina when they take on Everton in Saturday’s crucial Premier League fixture at the City Ground, following an injury sustained during their dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester United on April 1.
Aina, 28, was forced off in the first half of the intense encounter with Manchester United after pulling up with what has now been confirmed as a calf injury. The Super Eagles defender, who has been a key figure in Forest’s defensive setup, was helped off the pitch by medical staff, sparking immediate concerns about his availability for the season’s run-in.
Speaking ahead of the Everton showdown, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed Aina’s absence and gave an update on the team’s growing injury concerns. According to reports from Soccernet.ng and the Nottingham Post, Nuno revealed that strikers Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, and winger Anthony Elanga are also in doubt for the match, with the trio undergoing last-minute fitness assessments.
“We are facing some challenges with player availability,” Nuno told the press. “Several key players are adapting to new roles due to these injuries. This is part of football, and now it’s our turn to navigate through it.”
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While the extent of Aina’s injury remains unclear, the Forest boss expressed hope that the versatile defender could return for the next fixture, depending on his recovery progress. “Unfortunately, he won’t be available for this game. We’re hopeful for the next one. He’s receiving treatment daily, and we’re doing everything we can to get him back on the pitch,” Nuno added.
Aina’s absence is a significant blow as Nottingham Forest, currently sitting third on the Premier League table, continue their remarkable push for a UEFA Champions League spot. With only seven games left in the season, every point counts—and Forest will now have to face an in-form Everton side without one of their defensive linchpins.
The clash against Everton promises high stakes, with both sides desperate for points—Forest chasing Europe and Everton battling to avoid the drop. Fans will be keeping a close eye on Forest’s starting XI, hoping other injury doubts don’t further derail their dream season.
