Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has delivered an important fitness update on Super Eagles fullback Ola Aina ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Europa League showdown with Swedish side Malmo, Footynaija.com reports.
Aina has been ruled out since suffering a hamstring injury during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.
The injury has kept the 29-year-old out for several months, forcing him to sit out fourteen Nottingham Forest matches across all competitions.
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Although Aina has shared images of himself working individually in the gym and outdoors, Dyche has now clarified that the defender’s recovery is still at an early stage.
During his pre-match press conference, Dyche revealed that the Nigeria international has not yet been reintegrated into full team training, confirming that a return remains some distance away.
“[Ola] Aina isn’t back on the grass,” Dyche stated, revealing the Nigerian star’s ongoing battle to regain full fitness.
The update carries major implications beyond Forest’s European campaign. With the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off in a matter of weeks, Aina is now a serious doubt for the tournament.
His potential absence would be a huge blow for the Super Eagles, who may be forced to pursue a fourth AFCON title without one of their most consistent and tactically intelligent defenders.
For now, Nottingham Forest will welcome Malmo to The City Ground for their Europa League clash, almost certain to line up without Aina as his rehabilitation continues.
The Tricky Trees have gathered five points from four games in the Europa League this season and they’ll be desperate to grab their second win on the continent in front of their home fans.
