Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Nigerian defender Ola Aina will undergo a medical scan to determine the severity of his injury following the team’s 1-0 victory against Manchester United at the City Ground.
The 28-year-old Nigeria international was forced off the pitch in the 39th minute of Tuesday’s match with what initially appears to be a calf-related issue, prompting immediate concern from the Forest technical team.
“I cannot say a lot, it’s always a concern when a player gets injured by himself. We will give him a scan and then see how he looks. I am not quite sure what the precise problem is. The scan will tell us more,” Espirito Santo told The Athletic in a post-match interview.
Aina’s unexpected exit necessitated a tactical adjustment from Nuno, who switched to a five-man defensive formation for the remainder of the match. Concerns about the severity of the injury were heightened when social media footage showed Aina with crutches while celebrating with teammates in the dressing room after the match.
The timing of the injury represents a significant setback for Forest, with Aina now doubtful for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday. The versatile fullback has been an indispensable figure in Forest’s campaign this season, starting all 30 Premier League matches and contributing two goals and one assist.
Aina, a Chelsea Academy graduate, has established himself as a defensive stalwart, leading the league among outfield players with three goal-line clearances this season.
Despite his early withdrawal, Forest secured a memorable victory over Manchester United through Anthony Elanga’s fifth-minute goal against his former club. The result marked a historic achievement for Nuno, who became the first manager since the legendary Brian Clough to complete a league double over Manchester United.
Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi also featured in the starting lineup for the two-time European champions, stepping in for the injured Chris Wood and helping Forest secure three vital points in their battle against relegation.
