Forest hopeful of Aina, Awoniyi returns

Nottingham Forest hope to have Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi available for their crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur next Monday as they continue their push for Champions League football.

The Reds are still third in the league table but endured a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Everton at the City Ground on Saturday. The Tricky Trees now have a full week to prepare for what head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has described as a ‘six-game shootout’ to secure a historic top-four finish.

Forest will welcome the extra recovery time after suffering consecutive defeats, with key defender Aina sidelined due to a calf injury sustained during their 1-0 victory over Manchester United two weeks ago.

The Nigeria international was seen using crutches and had strapping around his calf after being forced off in the 40th minute of that match. He has since abandoned the crutches and resumed individual muscle training ahead of his return.

Compatriot Awoniyi has also been absent from Forest’s last two fixtures after feeling his hamstring during the Manchester United game, despite completing most of the match before being substituted in the 86th minute.

Speaking after Saturday’s defeat to Everton, Nuno expressed optimism about having both Nigerian stars back for the trip to North London.

“It is amazing to have him,” Nuno said regarding Chris Wood’s return from injury.

“Hopefully, we will try to recover T (Awoniyi) and Ola. We need all the players. It is going to be hard work to the end, so having all the players available would be helpful.”

Wood made his comeback against the Toffees after several weeks out with a hip problem but appeared rusty, highlighting the importance of Forest having their full attacking options available for the remaining fixtures.

The Reds remain in third position but could drop down the standings by the time they face Spurs next Monday as their top-four rivals play their matches earlier in the weekend.

With just six games remaining in their campaign, Forest will be desperate to have their full squad available as they look to secure a remarkable return to European football’s premier competition for the first time since 1980.

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