Nottingham Forest coach Postecoglou admits Ola Aina's loss has disrupted the defence

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Nottingham Forest's Europa League match against FC Midtjylland, manager Ange Postecoglou admitted that Ola Aina's absence , along with fellow defender Murillo, has unsettled the club's defensive structure.

The Australian tactician noted that the pair had been mainstays in the backline last term, providing consistency and stability, but injuries have disrupted that rhythm.

Aina suffered a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Nigeria's 1-1 draw with South Africa in a 2026 World Cup qualifier held in Bloemfontein on September 9.

Upon his return to England, additional checks confirmed that the versatile defender will be out of action until December, provided his rehabilitation goes according to plan.

Due to the injury, the Nigeria international has been omitted from Forest's Premier League and Europa League squads, and he's racing against the clock to be fit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Postecoglou acknowledged that international duty played a part in Aina's current fitness setback, stressing that such situations are part of the game and difficult to avoid. 

He expressed satisfaction with the performances of replacements such as Morato and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who have stepped in to fill the defensive void.

Before his spell on the sidelines, Aina had started all five matches for club and country this term. 

Last season, the Chelsea academy graduate featured in 35 of Nottingham Forest's 38 Premier League games, playing a key role as the Reds secured a seventh-place finish.
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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