🤕 Nuno offers sombre injury update ahead of Aston Villa clash | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest continue to dream of returning to the Champions League as Nuno Espírito Santo presides over what has been a brilliant 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

Sitting third in the table, Forest prepares for a crunch meeting with Unai Emery's Aston Villa at the weekend but will have to seek all three points without one of the Portuguese's most trusted lieutenants.

When sitting down for his pre-match press conference earlier, Nuno shed light on the fitness surrounding key full-back Ola Aina, who came off injured against Manchester United during the club's 1-0 win at the City Ground.

When asked what he could reveal surrounding the Nigerian international, Nuno was pointed as ever.

"So, we already did the scan, and he's going to be out a while. He's not going to be available," Nuno said.

Quizzed on what Forest will miss in his absence, Nuno did not hide his praise of the former Cobham academy product.

"[We will miss] his qualities, talent, the routines he already has with his teammates. We're going to miss him."

Pressed for further information on the nature of Aina's setback, Nuno revealed "a problem in the calf."

There was also an update on key striker Chris Wood.

"Assessing, assessing," Nuno exclaimed.

"Like I have been telling you, it is going to be day by day, so, hopefully, tomorrow he's better and he continues to improve."

Thankfully for Forest supports, Nuno cleared Callum Hudson Odoi to take part in the weekend action as the club looks to make it four wins in four while extending thier recent undefeated run to five.

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