Nottingham Forest’s head coach, Ange Postecoglou, has outlined his recovery timeline for Super Eagles defender Ola Aina, according to Soccernet.ng.
The 28-year-old featured prominently for 87 minutes in Nigeria’s clash against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium during the September international break.
Unfortunately, Aina was forced off the pitch within the first ten minutes of the subsequent match against South Africa at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, where the Super Eagles settled for a 1-1 draw, dealing a blow to their World Cup ambitions.
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Following his hamstring surgery, the former Chelsea defender is anticipated to resume training by December. He expressed gratitude to supporters for their well-wishes during his recovery.
Postecoglou Shares Recovery Outlook for Ola Aina
Appointed shortly after Nottingham Forest parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo-who reportedly clashed with club owner Evangelos Marinakis-Ange Postecoglou’s arrival marked a new chapter for the club.
Aina’s injury was a significant setback for Postecoglou, causing the defender to miss his managerial debut against Arsenal. Upon confirming the severity of the injury, the Australian coach expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Nigerian international once he returns.
“I was genuinely looking forward to working with him. I observed his performances as an opponent last season, and given my preference for how full-backs operate, he fits perfectly into that mold,” Postecoglou shared with BBC Sports UK.
“He was enthusiastic about the upcoming season, especially with the prospect of returning to European competitions. When injuries like this occur early on, I remind players that the most crucial part of the campaign still lies ahead, giving them the chance to make a significant impact when it matters most.
“His surgery was successful, which was our primary concern. Now, it’s about dedication to rehabilitation, and I’m confident he will remain engaged with the squad throughout his recovery,” the 60-year-old concluded.
Aina’s absence poses a dilemma for Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle, who now faces uncertainty regarding the defender’s availability for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 tournament.
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