Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest defender, Olaoluwa Temitayo Aina, has provided a positive injury update as he eyes a return to action before the end of the Premier League season, MySportDab Reports.
The 28-year-old suffered a calf injury during Forest’s clash with Manchester United but remains hopeful of a swift recovery to aid his team’s Champions League ambitions.
Aina has been a crucial figure for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this term, starting 30 league matches, scoring twice, and contributing one assist. His absence has been keenly felt, with Forest losing two of their last three games, underscoring his importance to the team’s defensive setup.
Speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast with Gary Lineker, the former Chelsea full-back revealed: “Hopefully, I’ll be fit soon. I’m just taking it day by day. It’s come along really well. I tore my calf, but it’s not too bad – a grade two tear. Hopefully, God willing, I’ll be back before the end of the season.”
Aina admitted it’s been tough watching from the sidelines: “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. You just have to support and be positive.”
Forest currently sit fourth in the Premier League with 60 points from 33 games, clinging to a narrow lead over Newcastle United (59 points), Chelsea (57), and Aston Villa (57) in the race for the final Champions League spot.
With five league matches remaining, Aina’s potential return could provide a timely boost as Forest seek a return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 1979/80 season.