Nottingham Forest have received a boost ahead of their clash against Arsenal, with Super Eagles defender Ola Aina cleared to play despite earlier concerns about a potential injury sustained during international duty with Nigeria.
Aina was included in Austin Eguavoen's Nigeria squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda. He featured prominently in Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Benin, playing 83 minutes before being substituted.
However, the full-back withdrew from the national team the day after the match and returned to the City Ground, subsequently missing the Super Eagles' 2-1 home defeat to Rwanda.
Reports suggested that Forest had an arrangement with Eguavoen to permit the full-back to depart the national team camp early, provided Nigeria had already secured qualification for the AFCON.
Forest boss Nuno confirms Ola Aina's availability despite injury concerns
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Ola Aina is fit and available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Arsenal, easing concerns over the defender's fitness following international duty.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Nuno addressed the squad's injury situation as shared by Nottingham Post, the Portuguese trainer said: “Those two (Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare) are definitely out and cannot be involved.
“We have some other situations to manage and decide. We still have Sosa to arrive, because he plays later. The rest of them are here—and, for now, OK.”
Aina has been a key figure in Nuno's setup this season, with the defender playing a vital role as the Tricky Trees currently sit in an impressive fifth place after 11 matches.
The former Torino defender has played in all 11 of Forest's matches this season, starting each one. He has also scored one goal, averaging 87 minutes per game.
