Nottingham Forest coach Ola Aina gives injury update on Super Eagles defender

Super Eagles international and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has been ruled out of the club’s upcoming match at Old Trafford, according to Afrik Foot.

The 29‑year‑old suffered a knock in the first leg of Forest’s UEFA Europa League semi‑final against Aston Villa. A Chris Wood penalty gave Vitor Pereira’s side a 1‑0 advantage before the second leg. With Aina absent, along with Awoniyi, Murillo, Morgan Gibbs‑White and Callum Hudson‑Odoi, Forest were defeated at Villa Park. Ollie Watkins scored the opener, Emiliano Buendía added a second, and John McGinn sealed the win with a brace.

Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest goes down injured. Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMedia

Ola Aina ruled out of Nottingham Forest’s Old Trafford trip

Nottingham Forest sit 16th in the Premier League and need a point from their final two fixtures to secure top‑flight status for the next season. Aina was unable to return to training before the 1‑1 draw with Newcastle United last weekend and has been excluded from the squad for the Manchester United match by coach Vitor Pereira.

Victor Pereira of Nottingham Forest and Unai Emery, the coach of Aston Villa. Picture credit: ImagoxAndrew Yates

“Dan Ndoye has started, Sangaré I think tomorrow (Friday 15 May). That’s all,” the Portuguese coach said in his pre‑match press conference.

“Murillo is out, Aina is out. At this moment, I think Dan Ndoye, Morgan and Sangaré will be training tomorrow. They are all improving but I think it’s not the time to take risks. We’ll see, it’s with the medical department now.”

Morgan Gibbs‑White, who provided an assist to Taiwo Awoniyi in Nottingham Forest’s 3‑1 win over Chelsea, suffered a facial injury in a clash with Robert Sanchez that required several stitches. After missing two games, he has returned to training and may appear at Old Trafford wearing a protective mask.

Nigeria and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, with Morgan Gibbs‑White. Copyright: xDanielxWeir/SportsxPressxIMAGO

“He [Gibbs‑White] started today to work with the team with the mask. Let’s see. It’s strange when he uses it but I spoke with him and he said he’s OK with the mask, no problem. We’ll see if he’s in condition for the next match,” Vitor Pereira concluded.

Nottingham Forest have not lost to Manchester United in their last three meetings and could extend that streak this weekend.

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Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer