Nottingham Forest head coach Vítor Pereira confirmed uncertainty over Ola Aina's availability for the UEFA Europa League semifinal against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The Nigeria international was substituted in the 75th minute during Forest's 1-0 win over Villa at the City Ground due to injury and was later left out of the squad for Monday's match at Stamford Bridge. Teenage defender Zach Abbott, who replaced Aina in that game, was also substituted during the Chelsea fixture. Pereira acknowledged multiple fitness concerns ahead of the crucial clash, stating there are "a lot of doubts" about player availability despite strong confidence in the team's spirit and tactical approach. Aina has featured in eight Europa League matches this season, providing one assist. Murillo is also among the players under fitness scrutiny ahead of the tie. The full extent of Aina's condition remains unclear, with the manager declining to confirm his participation for Thursday's match.
Ola Aina's repeated substitution due to injury, followed by omission from a subsequent matchday squad, suggests his fitness is far from assured despite managerial reassurances. His absence would leave a gap in depth at fullback just as Forest face a high-stakes semifinal. If Aina cannot recover in time, reliance falls on younger, less experienced options like Zach Abbott, who themselves have not completed full matches recently.
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