Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou has offered encouragement to Ola Aina following the defender’s recent surgery, assuring him that there will still be opportunities to make an impact later in the season.
Aina sustained a hamstring injury during the opening minutes of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa and subsequently underwent surgery at the weekend. Although Forest have not officially disclosed his return date, his omission from their Premier League squad effectively confirms he faces at least three months on the sidelines, as widely speculated.
The setback also puts the 27-year-old in a race against time to be fit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Postecoglou admitted he had been eager to work with Aina this season, noting the defender’s suitability for his style of play. “I was looking forward to working with him. I watched him as an opponent last year and, particularly with the way I like my full-backs to play, he was a perfect fit for it,” he told BBC Radio Nottingham. “I know he was excited by the season ahead, back in European football.”
Reflecting on their conversation, the manager said he encouraged Aina to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead. “Sometimes when these things happen early in the year, I said to him that the best part of the season will be there for him so he can make a massive impact when it is most needed.”
Postecoglou confirmed that the surgery was successful and expressed confidence in Aina’s recovery. “His surgery went really well – that’s the first thing ticked. Now he’s got to work hard and rehab, which I’m sure he will, and he’ll stay close to the group.”
Aina had firmly established himself as Forest’s first-choice right-back, starting 35 of the club’s 38 Premier League matches last season and completing the full 90 minutes in each of their opening three fixtures of the new campaign.
