Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina, has returned to Nottingham Forest’s matchday squad ahead of their Premier League encounter with Aston Villa.
The 29-year-old had been sidelined since September after picking up a hamstring injury while featuring for Nigeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
The setback also ruled him out of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Having fully recovered, Aina is now poised to make his first appearance for the Tricky Trees since the injury layoff.
Forest head coach Sean Dyche confirmed the defender’s return, expressing optimism about his readiness.
“Ola is back with the group, which is positive,” Dyche said. “He’s done plenty of work in training, even if he hasn’t had many minutes in matches. The injury is behind him, and he feels good.”
Aina has featured three times in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest so far this season.
