Nottingham Forest Rule Out Ola Aina Until 2025 as Dyche Confirms Fresh Setback

|By Babatunji Wusu

Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche has confirmed that defender Ola Aina will not return to action until next year, extending his spell on the sidelines after a hamstring injury sustained on international duty.

Aina suffered the injury while representing Nigeria in September and later underwent surgery. Although his initial recovery plan targeted a return this month, Dyche revealed that the full-back’s progress will keep him out until January.

“The ones left not with us yet are Taiwo, Woody and Douglas – although they are getting closer. Ola is getting closer to fitness but obviously can’t be with us until January,” Dyche told the Nottingham Post.

The setback also places Aina’s participation in Nigeria’s campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in doubt. The tournament kicks off in Morocco on December 21, and Aina’s delayed return makes his availability uncertain.