Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed that Nigerian defender Ola Aina will undergo a scan to determine the extent of his injury after being forced off during their 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
The Nigeria international was substituted in the 39th minute of Tuesday’s match at the City Ground, with the early diagnosis suggesting a calf-related injury.
“I cannot say a lot, it’s always a concern when a player gets injured by himself. We will give him a scan and then see how he looks. I am not quite sure what the precise problem is.
“The scan will tell us more,” Espirito Santo said in an interview with The Athletic.
Aina’s departure prompted a tactical reshuffle, with Nuno switching to a back five.
Aina was seen on social media filming his Forest teammates celebrating after the win, with a pair of crutches visible by his seat in the dressing room, raising concerns about the severity of his injury.
The injury comes as a significant blow to Forest, with the versatile fullback now doubtful for the Tricky Trees’ Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday.
Aina has been one of Forest’s standout performers this season, starting all 30 Premier League matches contested by the club, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
The 28-year-old leads the league among outfield players in goal-line clearances with three this season.
The Chelsea Academy graduate’s performances have earned him widespread praise from fans and pundits alike, establishing himself as a key player in Nuno’s side.
Despite Aina’s early withdrawal, Forest secured a historic victory over Manchester United through Anthony Elanga’s fifth-minute goal against his former club.
The win saw Nuno become the first manager to complete a league double over Manchester United since the legendary Brian Clough.
Taiwo Awoniyi also featured in the starting lineup for the two-time European champions as cover for the injured Chris Wood, contributing to Forest’s crucial win in their battle against relegation.
