Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina has suffered a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him for a few months.
Ola Aina underwent successful surgery this week and had a message for Nottingham Forest supporters on Instagram.
“A massive thank you to the club, my teammates, and all the fans for the incredible support over the past few days, it’s meant a lot,” Aina wrote.
“I’ll be working hard every day to get back out there as soon as possible and can’t wait to be back on the pitch at the City Ground.”
Aina will drop out of the Europa League squad, and here is who Ange Postecoglou is expected to call up.
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Nottingham Forest expected to add Oleksandr Zinchenko to Europa League squad
Nuno Espirito Santo left out some high-profile players from his Europa League squad before he was sacked.
Record signing Omari Hutchinson was absent, as was deadline day addition Oleksandr Zinchenko, who joined in a £30m transfer.
However, with Aina picking up an injury, Postecoglou will be able to replace the 28-year-old with Zinchenko.
The former Arsenal and Manchester City full-back is highly experienced playing in European competitions, so his inclusion will be really valuable.
Oleksandr Zinchenko also brings versatility
Zinchenko is a very versatile player who can play in a number of different roles, including as a central and left midfielder.
Most of his 78 caps for Ukraine have come as a number eight, so Postecoglou can use him there if necessary.
On reflection, Nuno’s decision to leave out Zinchenko is baffling and perhaps one of the reasons he was moved on.
He should’ve been included even without the Aina injury, but either way, he’s set to be part of the Europa League campaign now, and Postecoglou will likely make him a regular.
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