Nottingham Forest defender Aina returns to partial training pre-Manchester United 

Ola Aina is racing against the clock to be fit enough for Nottingham Forest's upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, August 26.

The Nigeria international right-back started Nottingham Forest's season opener against Arsenal but was not named in the matchday squad against Sheffield United last Friday due to a training ground injury he suffered in the days leading up to the game. 

Two days before the visit to Manchester United, Forest boss Steve Cooper revealed that Aina trained partially with the group, putting his participation against the Red Devils in doubt. 

However, Aina's return to training will be encouraging news for the Super Eagles coaching staff, given that he is always in contention to earn a call-up to the national team when in tiptop condition. 

Steve Cooper was keen to bring the Chelsea academy product to Nottingham Forest this summer due to his ability to play in different positions including left-back, right-back, left wingback and right wingback. 

Providing a fitness update in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Cooper told reporters: "Felipe is back out on the grass training but obviously hasn't trained or played for months, so he's not ready. Ola (Aina) is back in part training."

In what was his 35th career appearance in the Premier League, Aina was on the pitch for 72 minutes on his competitive debut for Nottingham Forest.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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