AliousNuno Espirito Santo Minimizes Ola Aina’s Absence After Forest’s Loss to Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has played down the significance of Ola Aina’s injury after his side suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday evening.
Aina, who has consistently delivered standout performances for Forest this season, was sidelined due to a calf issue he picked up during the team’s recent 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the City Ground. His absence was particularly noticeable in the first half, as Forest struggled to cope with Villa’s intensity and attacking rhythm.
The Nigerian full-back has been a key component of Forest’s system throughout the campaign, contributing two goals and an assist in 30 Premier League outings. His blend of defensive resilience and forward thrust has been vital in Forest’s surprise push for a Champions League place.
Understandably, fans and analysts expressed concern about the impact of Aina’s absence, especially given the sluggish start against Unai Emery’s Villa side. However, Nuno urged perspective and emphasized the importance of collective effort over dependence on individual players.
Speaking during an appearance on BBC’s Match of the Day, the Forest boss acknowledged the injury setbacks but remained focused on maintaining team unity: “Yes, we had players missing, but it’s about maintaining balance and making sure the team performs regardless,” he said.
As Forest enter a crucial phase in the season, hopes remain high that Aina can recover quickly and return to bolster the squad. His availability will be pivotal as the club aims to sustain its momentum and secure a historic qualification for European competition.
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