Liverpool and Tottenham stars react to Ola Aina’s emotional message after devastating injury update
Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina dispatched an emotional message on social media after confirmation of a hamstring injury.
Nottingham Forest have undergone a major change in the past week, with Ange Postecoglou replacing Nuno Espirito Santo as manager and starting his tenure with a 3-0 loss to Arsenal.
One player that the new coach was without was Aina, who suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty with Nigeria.
His setback already caused a selection headache against the Gunners. Morato was forced to deputise at left-back, but Noni Madueke took advantage and had a fantastic performance, beating the defender numerous times.
Now, days after confirmation of his injury, Aina addressed the supporters with a message on social media as he begins his recovery.
Ola Aina posts update after successful hamstring surgery
Aina confirmed on Instagram that he has undergone successful surgery and is already undergoing the recovery process following his injury.
He posted a video of himself in hospital and said: “A massive thank you to the club, my teammates, and all the fans for the incredible support”, whilst also encouragingly adding, “I’ll be working hard every day to get back out there as soon as possible”.
He received a wave of support on the post with former teammate Anthony Elanga saying: “You’ll come back stronger my boy”, with Ryan Yates commenting with a heart emoji.
Other players across the Premier League also reacted with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Tottenham’s James Maddison and Jarrod Bowen all liking the message.
Forest fans have expressed concern about Aina’s injury, with some suggesting that Postecoglou’s injury troubles at Tottenham last term have followed him to his new club.
Aina is a crucial figure in Forest’s defence, offering both stability at the back and an outlet going forward, but the side now must adapt without him.
| Nottingham Forest fixtures | Date |
| Swansea vs Forest | 17 September |
| Burnley vs Forest | 20 September |
| Real Betis vs Forest | 24 September |
Oleksandr Zinchenko must step up in Ola Aina’s absence
With Aina now sidelined for a number of weeks, new signing Oleksandr Zinchenko could be handed a key role in the side.
Zinchenko made the surprising deadline day move to Forest on loan, adding to their defensive depth ahead of a busy campaign.
After Morato’s poor performance at full-back, the Ukrainian may be given a lifeline to resurrect his career after a tough last 12 months.
His time at Arsenal ended with inconsistency, but Postecoglou’s attacking approach may be the platform he needs to reignite his career