Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina out for three months with hamstring injury

 

Nottingham Forest have suffered an early setback under new boss Ange Postecoglou, with defender Ola Aina ruled out for three months. The 28-year-old right-back picked up a hamstring injury while playing for Nigeria in their 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with South Africa earlier this week. Aina was forced off during the match, and scans have since confirmed the full extent of the damage.

The injury means Aina will be unavailable until the new year, prompting Forest to remove him from their Premier League squad. However, the defender could be re-registered once the winter transfer window closes. Forest are expected to replace him in the squad with striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who is working his way back to fitness and should be ready to contribute in the coming weeks.

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Aina’s absence is a significant loss, as he had been a reliable option on the right side of defence since joining Forest in 2023. His energy, versatility, and experience had made him a key figure in the squad. The news is especially frustrating for Postecoglou, who is only just beginning his tenure after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo earlier this week.

Forest’s focus now turns to their upcoming clash with Arsenal, which will mark Ange Postecoglou’s first game in charge. The Australian coach, who was sacked by Tottenham at the end of last season just 16 days after winning the Europa League, has taken over at the City Ground with the aim of stabilising the club.

Speaking ahead of the trip to the Emirates, Postecoglou acknowledged the scale of the challenge his side will face. He praised Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for the strong start to the season and noted that the Gunners had strengthened significantly over the summer. “They’re a stronger team than they were last year, so they’ll be a great challenge for us,” he said.

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Despite the setback of losing Aina, there is some encouragement for Forest with the likely return of Taiwo Awoniyi. The striker, who has been sidelined with injury, is expected to step into the Premier League squad to provide attacking depth. Awoniyi’s return could be timely as Forest look to sharpen their frontline.

The match against Arsenal offers Postecoglou a high-profile stage to begin his Forest tenure, but he will need his squad to adapt quickly in the absence of a key defensive figure.