23-02-2024, 03:31 PM
Nottingham Forest will be without AFCON trio Ola Aina, Ibrahim Sangare, and Willy Boly at Aston Villa tomorrow.
Nigeria international Aina played in the final with a muscle injury, while midfielder Sangare picked up an impact injury to his knee during the tournament, which saw his Ivory Coast side claim a 2-1 win to lift the trophy.
Ivory Coast defender Willy Boly missed the game with a muscle problem of his own.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo says it is tough to give a likely date for any of them to return.
“Ola got injured in the semi-final, played the final with an injury, he tried but didn't really play in the final,” said Nuno.
“Ibrahim the same, he was struggling since was there in the AFCON. So three of them are not available, which is bad for us.
“We have some problems. All of them - Ola, Willy and Ibrahim - came (back) with injuries, so they will not be available for this match. We don’t have a date for their return.”
Forest will also be without striker Chris Wood, who continues his recovery from a hamstring problem. Gonzalo Montiel is making good progress from his own hamstring injury and could be available.
Taiwo Awoniyi will be available to face Aston Villa, but Forest continue to treat the striker with caution as he regains his match fitness following a serious groin injury.
Nigeria international Aina played in the final with a muscle injury, while midfielder Sangare picked up an impact injury to his knee during the tournament, which saw his Ivory Coast side claim a 2-1 win to lift the trophy.
Ivory Coast defender Willy Boly missed the game with a muscle problem of his own.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo says it is tough to give a likely date for any of them to return.
“Ola got injured in the semi-final, played the final with an injury, he tried but didn't really play in the final,” said Nuno.
“Ibrahim the same, he was struggling since was there in the AFCON. So three of them are not available, which is bad for us.
“We have some problems. All of them - Ola, Willy and Ibrahim - came (back) with injuries, so they will not be available for this match. We don’t have a date for their return.”
Forest will also be without striker Chris Wood, who continues his recovery from a hamstring problem. Gonzalo Montiel is making good progress from his own hamstring injury and could be available.
Taiwo Awoniyi will be available to face Aston Villa, but Forest continue to treat the striker with caution as he regains his match fitness following a serious groin injury.