Ola Aina Out 'for a While' with Calf Problem, Says Nottingham Forest Manager Nuno

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has been ruled out for an extended period due to a calf injury. Read more about the extent of his injury and its impact on Forest's top-four hopes.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has provided an update on the team's injury situation, confirming that Ola Aina will be sidelined for an extended period due to a calf injury.

As Nottingham Forest prepares to face Aston Villa at Villa Park this weekend, Nuno acknowledged the significance of the match. Both teams are vying for European spots this season, while Aston Villa remains in contention for a remarkable double, potentially winning the Champions League and FA Cup.

Nottingham Forest will aim to maintain their top-four position, but the task has become more challenging due to the absence of key defender Ola Aina. The full-back was substituted in the 40th minute of Tuesday's 1-0 win over Manchester United at the City Ground, and manager Nuno Espirito Santo revealed that Aina will be sidelined for an extended period.

Nuno confirmed the extent of Aina's injury, stating, “He has had the scan and he is going to be out for a while. It is a calf problem. He is not going to be available.” The manager acknowledged the significant impact of Aina's absence, saying, “It is a big blow. We will miss his quality, his talent and the routines we already have with his teammates. We are going to miss him.”

Nuno provided a tentative timeline for Aina's return, saying, “Some players take more time, others less. We will assess him. He will definitely be out for Villa and for Everton he will be a doubt. Beyond that we will assess him.” Despite the setback, Nuno remains optimistic about Aina's return, adding, “I am positive that we will see him again (before the end of the season).”

Nottingham Forest's defensive woes have been compounded by the injury to Eric da Silva Moreira, which further limits their already restricted defensive options this season. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo provided an update on Moreira's condition, saying, “He got injured with the Germany Under-19 national team, in their second game. He has been out for two or three weeks now.”

🗣️ "He's going to be out, we're going to miss him"

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo says Ola Aina will be out for a "while" with a calf injury.

Chris Wood will be assessed and Callum Hudson-Odoi is fit to return for Saturday's game against Aston Villa 🌳 pic.twitter.com/4JadHP8Tpu

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Nuno revealed that Moreira is gradually reintegrating into the team through individual sessions, but his availability for the upcoming game is uncertain. Nuno stated, “He is getting back in the group now with individual sessions. For this game, it is also going to be very tight for him maybe.”

The absence of Ola Aina due to injury poses a significant challenge for Nottingham Forest. Nuno acknowledged the impact of Aina's absence, saying, “With Ola out, we are going to try to find solutions to the problems we have. The absence of Ola is a big one and we are going to miss him but we have to find solutions.”

On a more positive note, Nuno confirmed that winger Callum Hudson-Odoi will be available for the trip to the West Midlands, which will be a significant boost for the team. Nuno initially stated that Hudson-Odoi's progress would be assessed day by day, saying, “We are assessing. It is going to be day by day. Hopefully tomorrow better and he continues to improve.” However, he later confirmed Hudson-Odoi's availability, saying, “He is going to be available for this game. It is a big boost. We missed him in the previous game. He has been huge for us.”