Why Ola Aina cannot play for Nottingham Forest until next year

Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche has confirmed Super Eagles full-back Ola Aina will not be able to feature for the club until next year, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old is already a doubt for Nigeria's AFCON 2025 campaign after suffering a hamstring injury in Nigeria's draw against South Africa in September.

Aina was ruled out for three months, and his return date was set for December after he had surgery and returned to training.

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While Aina's recovery is good news, Sean Dyche's recent statement about his squad's injury list has raised questions about how soon the defender can return to action.

“It’s better news,” Dyche said of his injury list.

“Not everyone is quite fit yet, but a few are back on the grass training, which is a good start.

“The ones left not with us yet are Taiwo, Woody and Douglas – although they are getting closer.

“Ola is getting closer to fitness, but obviously can’t be with us until January,” the former Everton coach said in quotes revealed by Nottingham Post.

Why Ola Aina cannot play for Nottingham Forest until next year

The former Chelsea defender got injured during Ange Postecoglou's brief spell at the City Ground, and as a result of his long-term injury, the club decided to take advantage of UEFA's new rule.

With Aina expected to be out for three months, he was delisted in place of new signing, Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The adjustment makes room for clubs to temporarily replace an outfield player under the specific conditions of ‘long-term injuries or illnesses' that last for at least 60 days.

Should the originally included player recover before 60 days, he won't be able to play in the competition.

With Aina's return scheduled for December and the AFCON tournament set to be held in the same month, his return to European football will be in 2026, coinciding with Dyche's statements.