Ola Aina at Wembley but misses out on Nottingham Forest matchday squad v Man City

Ola Aina will not make his comeback from injury on Sunday afternoon when Nottingham Forest lock horns with Emirates FA Cup favorites Manchester City in the semifinals of the competition at Wembley.

The right-back was spotted inside the Nottingham Forest team bus as it headed to the stadium this afternoon, fueling speculation that he could be named on the substitutes bench. 

An hour ahead of the match at the National Stadium in London, Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo named his squad, but Ola Aina was absent after failing to shake off a calf issue.

Allnigeriasoccer.com can confirm that the Nigeria international is present at the stadium and will watch the game from the stands. 

He has not figured for the two-time European champions after sustaining an injury during the first half of the 1-0 win over Manchester United on April 1, missing three consecutive matches against Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. 

In Ola Aina's absence, Nuno Espírito Santo has turned to teenage England U19 defender Zach Abbott to fill the right-back role for his third senior appearance, while Toffolo slots in at left-back

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nation star has played in two FA Cup matches this term, going the distance in shootout wins against Ipswich Town and Brighton & Hove in the fifth round and quarterfinals respectively. 

Meanwhile Ola Aina's international teammate Taiwo Awoniyi starts on the bench for Nottingham Forest.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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