Nottingham Forest’s Nigerian star ‘hoping’ to make injury comeback before end of season

Super Eagles defender Olaoluwa Aina has provided an update on his fitness status as the highly rated full-back sets his sights on a potential return to action before the end of the season, Footynaija.com reports.

Aina suffered a calf injury during Forest’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the start of April. Before his injury setback, the Nigeria international was a vital member of Nuno Espirito Santo’s setup, contributing significantly as the Tricky Trees continued to punch above their weight in the league.

Since that United victory, Forest have had to play three matches without Aina, recording two defeats and one win. Those two defeats could prove costly with the Tricky Trees currently involved in one of the most hotly contested races for Champions League qualification in Premier League history. The likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa are all in the running.

Aina, who had featured in all Forest’s 30 league games up until his injury against Man Utd, is hoping to return in time before the end of the season and help his team as they seek to qualify for the Champions League.

What Aina said

“Hopefully, I’ll be fit soon. I’m just taking it day by day to be fair. It’s come along really well. I tore my calf, but it’s not too bad. It’s a grade two tear. Hopefully, God willing, I’ll be back before the end of the season,” he said in an interview with Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football Podcast.

“It’s hard watching them play and I can’t add anything to the team. In my case, I just miss training days, but these things happen and you just have to support and be positive.”

With only five games remaining in the Premier League this season, fans now wait to see whether Aina will return in time to feature for Forest before the campaign ends.