Nottingham Forest is optimistic of Ola Aina’s return for Arsenal game on Saturday after returning from international duty with Nigeria.
The 28-year-old left the Eagles camp after one game with reports suggesting he had suffered a knock.
Aina is a key member of the Forest side and his absence with an injury would have been a boost to Arsenal, who are without a win in their last four EPL games.
Aina’s Return for Arsenal Game: Battle For Points In The EPL
Forest are currently level on points with Mikel Arteta’s men. Both sides have nineteen points from 11 games in the league, but Arsenal are slightly above the Reds due to goal difference.
The versatile defender has been in superb form this season, almost ever-present in Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting XI with Forest riding high in fifth place.
The right-back completed the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest before the international break and played 83 minutes for Nigeria in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin last Thursday.
The former Chelsea youngster was replaced late on, subsequently receiving treatment for an injury suffered in the match.
That 1-1 draw against Benin ensured Nigeria qualified for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the ‘English Premier League side Nottingham Forest’s request to allow wing-back Olaoluwa Aina to return to the UK for their pivotal match. Forest believes with Nigeria’s qualification for AFCON, he should return on time.
Forest will assess Aina this week and hope he will be available for Saturday’s fixture against the Gunners.