Super Eagles star doubtful for Nottingham Forest Europa League clash vs Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira has revealed he’s unsure if Super Eagles defender Ola Aina will feature in their UEFA Europa League clash against Aston Villa on Thursday, Afrik Foot reports.

The 29-year-old started the home leg against Unai Emery’s men last Thursday but could only last 75 minutes before he picked up a knock. Aina was eventually subbed off, replaced by Zach Abbott.

The former Chelsea defender wasn’t in Nottingham Forest’s squad that sealed a 3-1 win over Chelsea.

Instead, Pereira fielded a 3-5-2 system, fielding Dilane Bakwa and Luca Netz as wing-backs whenever Forest had possession.

Ola Aina doubtful for Nottingham Forest Europa League clash

Aina’s International teammate Taiwo Awoniyi took the headlines at Stamford Bridge yesterday after scoring a brace against Chelsea.

Vitor Pereira was pleased with the former Union Berlin man, before he looked forward to Thursday’s semi-final, amidst the fitness issues some of his players are going through.

Ibrahim Sangare and Ola Aina, they are injured. I don’t know,” the Portuguese tactician said in quotes revealed by Nottingham Post.

“We are without Callum and without Dan Ndoye, two wingers. We are without Murillo and before we were without Jair.

“Jair had and still has a problem but he is a fighter. We are without Sangare and without Ola.

“In the end, for me, it was not difficult to select the first XI because I don’t have solutions.

“If I don’t have solutions [on Thursday], I don’t need to think a lot. We are doing well because of the spirit (in the team),” the 57-year-old concluded.

Nottingham Forest will look to edge Aston Villa in the semi-final of the UEFA Europa League, having already secured a slender 1-0 win in the first leg.