Dyche Confirms Aina’s Recovery Progress At Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest Head Coach Sean Dyche has offered an encouraging update on the recovery of Nigerian international Ola Aina, revealing that the defender was steadily regaining fitness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

LEADERSHIP reports that Aina picked up the injury while on international duty with Nigeria in September, an unfortunate setback that ruled him out of the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Aina’s absence was a significant blow to both his club and the country, given his versatility and consistency at full-back.

The 29-year-old has since been undergoing a carefully managed rehabilitation programme and recently took a major step forward by featuring for Nottingham Forest’s U-21 side in their clash against Millwall earlier this week.

The appearance was aimed at rebuilding his sharpness and assessing his readiness for a return to full competitive football.

Providing an update on the defender’s condition, Dyche disclosed that Aina has resumed regular training sessions with the senior squad.

He however said caution remains a priority due to the nature of the injury.

“Ola is halfway through his fitness progress, training more regularly with the team now, so that is good. Obviously, it’s been a long-term injury, so we have to be careful with that one,” Dyche said.

Aina, a former Chelsea player who joined Nottingham Forest in 2023, has been a vital figure for the club when fully fit, providing defensive solidity and attacking support from wide areas.