Aina Back for Nottingham Forest, Ends Four-Month Absence

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina made his long-awaited return to Premier League action in Saturday’s fixture against Aston Villa, ending a four-month absence due to a hamstring injury.

The Nigerian international had featured in Forest’s opening three league games of the season before being sidelined in September.

His injury ruled him out of 16 consecutive Premier League matches as well as all six of Forest’s Europa League group stage fixtures.

Against Villa, Aina registered his fourth Premier League appearance of the campaign and his 63rd overall for Forest across all competitions.

It was also his 60th Premier League outing for the club, and his 95th in the competition overall.

The match marked his fourth encounter with Unai Emery’s side, having previously recorded two victories and one goal in three earlier meetings.

Forest boss Sean Dyche welcomed Aina’s return, praising the defender’s commitment in training:

‘Ola Aina is back in. He’s put in loads of miles on the clock on the training pitch. Game time is the next step but it is good to have him back.’