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EPL Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina could be out until December after sustaining a hamstring injury on international duty with Nigeria. Aina, 28, was forced off during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday and scans have revealed that he could be out for months, possibly until December, in an early injury blow to new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Advertisement The full-back started all but three of Forest’s Premier League games last season, having established himself as a key figure in the side under Nuno Espirito Santo. But his replacement, Postecoglou, will be without the services of Aina as he begins his tenure at the City Ground. Forest did bolster their full back options this summer with the addition of Nicolo Savona from Juventus and Oleksandr Zinchenko on loan from Arsenal, while they also signed left-back Cuiabano from Botafogo, before sending him back to the Brazilian club on loan. But losing Aina poses an early problem for Postecoglou, who will not be able to call on Zinchenko for his first game in charge this weekend, as they face his parent club in the capital. Aina committed his future to Forest in July by signing a new three-year contract, with one year left to run on his previous deal. Aina has been one of the best free transfer signings Nottingham Forest have made in the modern era. Since the defender joined Forest following the expiry of his contract with Torino in the summer of 2023, his pace has been an asset at both ends of the pitch. The full back was an integral figure as Forest secured a surprise seventh-placed finish last season. Postecoglou’s approach has historically demanded that his full backs are hugely comfortable in possession and, while he is best known for his pace and directness, Aina does have those qualities. When Zinchenko is available, we could see Neco Williams switch to right-back, from the left-back position that he had made his own over the past year. But this weekend could see Savona get his first opportunity at Arsenal, as Postecoglou looks to find a solution to his first significant injury issue as Forest manager. (Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle Nottingham Forest writer for The Athletic.
Previously spent 25 years at the Nottingham Post.
Unsurprisingly, Nottingham born and bred. Meet me by the left lion. Follow Paul on Twitter @nottmtails