Key Takeaways:
- Ola Aina sustained a thigh injury on international duty, ruling him out for almost three months
- Ange Postecoglou confirmed on Thursday that Aina will not return before the new year
- Postecoglou will make his managerial debut for Nottingham Forest against Arsenal this weekend
Defensive Blow for Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have been dealt a setback as right-back Ola Aina has been ruled out for close to three months following a thigh injury. The 28-year-old suffered the setback while featuring for Nigeria during their 1-1 World Cup qualifying result against South Africa on Tuesday. Subsequent medical assessments determined that Aina would face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Ola Aina has been ruled out for three months ❌
The defender suffered a hamstring injury whilst on international duty with Nigeria and will be removed from Forest's Premier League squad list until January. pic.twitter.com/2xnHgUM11g
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 12, 2025
Squad Adjustments and Registration Changes
On Thursday, newly appointed head coach Ange Postecoglou stated that Aina will be unavailable at least until the new year. To accommodate the defender’s absence, Forest will remove Aina from their Premier League squad registration and bring in forward Taiwo Awoniyi in his place.
| Player | Position | Injury | Expected Return | Squad Registration Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ola Aina | Right-Back | Thigh injury | After new year | Unregistered |
| Taiwo Awoniyi | Forward | N/A | N/A | Registered |
A New Era at Forest: Postecoglou’s First Test
The club has experienced further change with Ange Postecoglou stepping in as manager following the recent dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo. Postecoglou, who most recently managed Tottenham, is set to take charge for the first time at the City Ground this weekend as Forest face Arsenal.
