Aina in doubt for Forest as Postecoglou takes the reins
Ola Aina of Nigeria challenged by Samukelo Kabini of South Africa during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026 match between South Africa and Nigeria at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on the 09 September 2025 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
by Staff Reporter
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025. 15:35
Nottingham Forest’s problems continue to mount as defender Ola Aina is in doubt for Saturday’s fixture against Arsenal after picking up an injury while on international duty.
Aina started in both of Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the past week as the Super Eagles claimed a 1-0 win against Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday before being held to a 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old international was substituted in 10th min for Bright Osayi-Samuel after a challenge from South Africa’s Samukele Kabini brought him down as he attempted to break down the right wing.
Aina has reportedly suffered a hamstring injury according to the London Evening Standard, though he was able to walk off of the pitch on Tuesday.
Forest parted ways with manager Nuno Espírito Santo on Monday and announced the appointment of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou the same day.
Postecoglou faces a tough challenge in his first game in charge as the Garibaldis face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London on Saturday, made tougher by the potential absence of Aina.
Forest sit 10th in the Premier League, having registered one win, one draw and one loss to start the season.
The Gunners have won two and lost one of their open three league games and will be looking to return to winning ways on Saturday.
By Nic Gleeson