Ola Aina fitness cloud hangs over Forest’s Europa League semifinal push

Nottingham Forest head coach Vítor Pereira has admitted uncertainty over the availability of Ola Aina ahead of a decisive UEFA Europa League semifinal second leg against Aston Villa on Thursday, raising fresh concern for the visitors as they attempt to protect a slender advantage.

Aina picked up an injury during the first leg at the City Ground, where Forest secured a narrow 1-0 win, and was subsequently absent from the squad that defeated Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge earlier this week.

His absence was felt, and Pereira now faces a race against time to determine whether the versatile defender can be reintegrated for the high-stakes trip to Villa Park.

Addressing reporters in his pre-match briefing, Pereira acknowledged that several members of his squad remain fitness doubts, with Aina chief among them.

The Portuguese tactician, however, insisted that uncertainty over personnel would not undermine the collective mindset within the dressing room.

“We have a lot of doubts with players but we cannot have doubts around the spirit and what we want and our belief. We will have a meeting to the army and what soldiers we have to go into battle.”

Forest travel to Birmingham holding a narrow aggregate lead after Chris Wood converted a decisive penalty in the first leg.

While the advantage is minimal, it offers a psychological edge as Pereira’s side aim to complete the job and secure a place in the final of Europe’s secondary club competition.

Much may depend on Aina’s recovery, given his importance on both flanks and his defensive reliability.

Should he fail to recover in time, Pereira will be forced to reshuffle his backline against a Villa side expected to respond aggressively on home soil.

With qualification for a European final within touching distance, Forest’s resolve will be tested just as much as their squad depth.