Ola Aina: Nottingham Forest boss issues injury update on Super Eagles defender

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has been ruled out of the Reds’ trip to Old Trafford on Sunday evening, Afrik Foot reports.

The 29-year-old picked up a knock in the first leg of Forest’s UEFA Europa League semi-final clash against Aston Villa.

A Chris Wood penalty gave Vitor Pereira’s side a slender 1-0 lead heading into the second leg.

In the absence of Aina, Awoniyi, Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, Forest fell short at Villa Park. Ollie Watkins broke the deadlock, Emiliano Buendia added a second, and John McGinn completed the rout with a brace.

Ola Aina Of Nottingham Forest — Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest goes down injured. Copyright: xIMAGO/EveryxSecondxMedia

Ola Aina ruled out of Nottingham Forest’s Old Trafford trip

Nottingham Forest are currently 16th on the English Premier League and need just a point from their final two games to secure top-flight status ahead of next season.

Ola Aina wasn’t able to return to training ahead of the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last weekend, and has been ruled out of the game against Manchester United by coach Pereira.

Victor Pereira manager of Nottingham Forest l welcomes Unai Emery head coach of Aston Villa r during the Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa UEFA Europa League Semi Final 1st leg match at the City Ground, Nottingham — Victor Pereira of Nottingham Forest and Unai Emery, the coach of Aston Villa. Picture credit: ImagoxAndrew Yates

“Dan Ndoye has started, Sangaré I think tomorrow (Friday 15 May). That’s all,” the Portuguese coach said in his pre-match presser.

“Murillo is out, Aina is out. At this moment, I think Dan Ndoye, Morgan and Sangaré will be training tomorrow.

“They are all improving but I think it’s not the time to take risks. We’ll see, it’s with the medical department now.

Morgan Gibbs-White provided an assist to Taiwo Awoniyi in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 win over Chelsea, but a clash with Robert Sanchez left him requiring several stitches in his face.

After missing two games, he’s now back in training and could feature at Old Trafford, although under a protective mask.

Nigeria and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi with Morgan Gibbs-White — Nigeria and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, with Morgan Gibbs-White. Copyright: xDanielxWeir/SportsxPressxIMAGO

“He [Gibbs-White] started today to work with the team with the mask. Let’s see. It’s strange when he uses it but I spoke with him and he said he’s OK with the mask, no problem.

“We’ll see if he’s in condition for the next match,” Vitor Pereira concluded.

Nottingham Forest haven’t lost to Manchester United in their previous three encounters and could extend that run this weekend.