Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina to Undergo Scans Following Injury in Victory Over Manchester United
Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has confirmed that Super Eagles star Ola Aina will undergo further scans to determine the extent of the injury he sustained during the Reds’ 1-0 victory over Manchester United. The match, played at the City Ground, saw Forest secure a crucial win thanks to a brilliant fifth-minute solo goal from Anthony Elanga, but the result was marred by Aina’s injury.
The 27-year-old Nigerian defender was forced off the pitch after pulling up injured in the 35th minute of the match. Remarkably, the injury occurred without any contact, as Aina appeared to suffer an issue while running. Initially, Forest’s medical team attended to the former Chelsea player, who seemed to recover after some brief checks. However, after a few minutes, Aina was visibly uncomfortable and needed assistance to leave the field. He was replaced by Alex Moreno, and soon after, it was confirmed that Aina would require further medical evaluation.
Speaking after the match, Nuno Espirito Santo expressed concern over the injury, revealing that the full extent of the problem would only be known after Aina undergoes a scan. “We have to assess. It is always a concern when a player gets injured by himself. He is going to have a scan and we will see how it is. We’re not quite sure what it is, only the scan will say exactly,” Nuno explained in his post-match comments to Nottinghamshire Live.
Aina’s injury was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of football injuries, especially when they occur without any physical contact. The Nigerian international’s absence could be a significant blow to Forest’s defensive options, with the club continuing their push for a UEFA Champions League spot.
Despite the setback, Forest’s victory over Manchester United was a historic one, as it marked their third consecutive Premier League win, making them one of the form teams in the league. The win also saw Nuno Espirito Santo become the first Forest manager to complete a league double over United since the legendary Brian Clough did so during the 1991/92 season.
“We are delighted, realising how the game went. We could not be more proud than we are, because it was very tough,” Nuno said after the game. “The team showed great resilience, and we can now focus on what’s ahead.”
With their win, Forest are edging closer to a dream qualification for the UEFA Champions League, which would mark their first appearance in the competition in the 21st century. However, the potential absence of Aina could test the club’s depth as they continue their push for European football. The scans will reveal the full extent of his injury, with the hope that it won’t keep him sidelined for long.