Nottingham Forest manager Vítor Pereira has confirmed that Ola Aina has resumed light training ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with AFC Bournemouth.
The Super Eagles defender has not featured since Forest’s 1-0 UEFA Europa League semi-final win over Aston Villa on April 30. Aina picked up an injury during that encounter and left the pitch after 75 minutes.
Before his setback, the Nigerian full-back remained one of Forest’s most reliable defenders this season. He played a major role in several important league and European fixtures and featured regularly under Pereira during the club’s difficult relegation battle. Forest also struggled defensively in his absence, including their heavy 4-0 defeat away to Aston Villa in Europe.
Speaking ahead of the final league fixture of the campaign, Pereira admitted the club will avoid unnecessary risks despite Aina’s return to the training ground.
“Murillo stays without training with the team. Ola (Aina) started today on the pitch.
“I think Dan (Ndoye) has worked two times with the team, but we will see. I think that is all.
“We are in a moment of the season where we can’t take risks because this is a game we want to win.
“It’s not a final or a game to decide big things. Of course we want to win the game, we want three points and finish in the positions in the table.
“We will do everything to get a good result, but it is not possible to take risks at this moment.”
The Forest coach also confirmed that Brazilian defender Murillo has not returned to full team training. Meanwhile, summer signing Dan Ndoye has already completed two sessions with the squad.
While Forest enter the match with little left to fight for, Bournemouth still hope to finish the season strongly under Andoni Iraola. The Cherries defeated Forest 2-0 earlier this season and will target another positive result at the City Ground.
Sunday’s fixture could give Ola Aina the chance to make his first appearance since injury after returning to training this week.
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