Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina is facing a late fitness test ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa. Manager Vítor Pereira confirmed on Wednesday that the Nigerian international’s participation remains uncertain after he was carried off on a stretcher during the first leg last week.
Pereira initially expressed optimism that Aina would recover in time for the return fixture, but his latest comments suggest the club is taking a cautious approach. Speaking to the press, he stated, “We have a lot of doubts with players but we cannot have doubts around the spirit and what we want and our belief.”
Forest head into the match at Villa Park holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg. With a spot in the final on the line, the team will be eager to have the 28-year-old available, but his absence would be a significant blow to their defensive setup.
Aina’s injury occurred in the first half of the semi-final first leg, forcing an early substitution. The club’s medical staff have been working around the clock to assess his condition, but a final decision on his availability is expected shortly before kick-off.
Should Aina be ruled out, Pereira will need to adjust his backline to maintain the lead and keep Villa at bay. The encounter promises to be a tense affair as both sides battle for a place in the Europa League final.