Nottingham Forest confirm early injury blow to key defender, Ange Postecoglou won’t be pleased
Ange Postecoglou looks set to face an hefty injury blow early in his Nottingham Forest reign with an injury to one of his key defenders.
Postecoglou replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at Nottingham Forest after a row involving the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss.
Criticism has been aimed at Nottingham Forest, with questions over how well Postecoglou’s system will translate onto the squad of the East Midlands club.
As questions loom, Postecoglou faces the tough prospect of visiting Arsenal on Saturday, for his first match in charge.
Ange Postecoglou hit with injury blow
One of the main defenders who may struggle in Postecoglou’s system is Nikola Milenkovic who looks uneasy in Serbia’s high line against England in midweek.
Milenkovic may have even more reason to worry now, as news has emerged of an injury to first choice left back Ola Aina.
Nottingham Forest posted on X (formerly Twitter) to say: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Ola Aina sustained a hamstring injury whilst on international duty which will see him sidelined for a period of time.
“The defender picked up the injury in the tenth minute of Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa on Tuesday. Everyone at the Club sends their best wishes to Ola and wishes him a speedy recovery.”
Aina was a key component in Espirito Santo’s team last season, and the defender will be a big miss as Postecoglou looks to form his best team in the early days of his tenure at the club.
Analysing Ola Aina’s importance to Nottingham Forest
Aina’s abilities to quickly transition Forest from defence to attack was a crucial asset to Espirito Santo’s counter attacking set up.
The defender notched two goals and one assist from left back last season and contributed at both ends of the pitch in the club’s fight for Europe.
| Ola Aina 2024-25 | |
| Tackle win percentage | 56.3 |
| Blocks | 34 |
| Interceptions | 33 |
| Progressive carries | 67 |
| Crosses | 59 |
Aina was a creative threat, hitting 16 key passes and 85 passes into the final third, as well as 62 shot creating actions last season according to FBref.
Aina’s attacking threat will be a huge miss as Postecoglou looks to transition this Forest side into his 3-4-3 system.