Super Eagles defender, Ola Aina’s surgery has been successful following the hamstring injury he sustained while on international duty with Nigeria during the World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Aina confirmed the success of the operation on his Instagram handle, posting a video alongside a caption that read:
“THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Surgery went really well and recovery is going smoothly, looking forward to getting WHAM 💪😆🙏. A massive thank you to the club @officialnffc, my teammates, and all the fans for the incredible support over the past few days, it’s meant a lot ❤️. I’ll be working hard every day to get back out there as soon as possible and can’t wait to be back on the pitch at the City Ground. See you soon.
It’s gonna be alright. Reds😝🔴🌳”
Following the surgery, Aina is expected to be out until December and will miss six of Nottingham Forest’s UEFA Europa League fixtures.
Nottingham Forest have struggled in his absence, losing their last two matches: a 3-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal and a 3-2 EFL Cup upset by Championship side Swansea City.
Also read: Ola Aina Commits Future to Nottingham Forest with New Three-Year Deal
Speaking to BBC Radio, Forest manager Ange Postecoglou described Aina’s absence as a massive blow, stating:
“I was looking forward to working with him. I watched him as an opponent last year and, particularly with the way I like my full-backs to play, he was a perfect fit for it.
Ange continued: “I know he was excited by the season ahead, back in European football.”
“Sometimes when these things happen early in the year, I said to him that the best part of the season will be there for him so he can make a massive impact when it is most needed.
“His surgery went really well that’s the first thing ticked. Now he’s got to work hard and rehab, which I’m sure he will, and he’ll stay close to the group.”
Ola Aina will also miss Nigeria’s final two World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic. He is also likely to miss the AFCON.
