Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has confirmed that Super Eagles defender Ola Aina could make his return from injury against Aston Villa this weekend, Soccernet.ng reports.
Aina has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury he sustained during Nigeria's World Cup qualifier against South Africa on September 9, 2025.
The severity of the injury required the him to undergo surgery, which resulted in a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
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The injury has seen Aina miss 23 consecutive matches for the Tricky Trees. Also, it knocked him out of contention for the Super Eagles during the final round of the World Cup qualifiers, the subsequent playoffs, and the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In mid-December, reports emerged that Aina had resumed first-team training with his teammates. Shortly after, he featured in a match with Nottingham Forest’s junior squad in an effort to regain his match fitness.
But now, new reports indicate that the talented defender is fully ready to return to competitive action.
When asked about Aina's availability for the upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa, the Forest boss revealed that the Super Eagles star is finally back in contention for a place in the matchday squad.
What Nottingham Forest Boss Dyche Said About Ola Aina
This weekend, Nottingham Forest take on Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend, and Dyche spoke about Ola Aina.
“Obviously Ola (Aina) comes back into the group, which is good,” Dyche told Nottingham Post.
I am learning about him, I know he is a good character. I managed teams that have played against him so I know about the pace and power he has got.
“We are looking forward to getting him back involved. He is in contention to come back into the group.
“He has put a lot of miles on the clock (on the training ground), not so many game hours, because of the situation. But his injury is fine, he feels fine, he is back into the group.”
It is unlikely that Aina will start for Nottingham Forest against Aston Villa. As such he will likely start from the bench.
The Tricky Trees have missed Aina's expertise at right back. Aina is one of the fastest players in the Premier League, great in 1v1 situations, and an excellent crosser of the ball.
Coach Dyche will want to have him reach full fitness and start playing regularly in the coming weeks.
