Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted that the absence of Nigerian fullback Ola Aina will disrupt his defensive plans. The news comes ahead of their upcoming Europa League trip to face FC Midtjylland.

Postecoglou noted that Aina, alongside fellow defender Murillo, was integral to last season’s consistency at the back. A hamstring injury suffered early in Nigeria’s 1–1 World Cup qualifier against South Africa has ruled Aina out until approximately December, barring setbacks in his recovery.

As a result, Aina has been omitted from both Forest’s Premier League and Europa League squads for the time being. The coach, however, expressed satisfaction with the performances of his replacements, citing Morato and Oleksandr Zinchenko stepping up in his absence.
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Before his injury, Aina had started all five matches for club and country this term. Underlining his importance, the Chelsea academy graduate played in 35 of Nottingham Forest’s 38 league games last season.
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Editorial
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We feel the timing of Ola Aina’s injury is especially unfortunate not just for him, but for Forest and Nigeria. Aina had become a dependable performer, threading the balance between defensive solidity and attacking support. Losing such a figure midseason forces recalibration not merely of personnel, but of system and spirit.
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It’s encouraging that Postecoglou has faith in his depth, praising Morato and Zinchenko for stepping in. But replacements must do more than fill space