Nottingham Forest’s defender, Ola Aina, is facing a potential absence in the upcoming fifth-round Emirates FA Cup match against Manchester United on Wednesday.

The Nigerian international has been sidelined due to injury since his return from the African Cup of Nations.

He suffered the injury in the semifinal against South Africa, but played through it till the final.

Aina, who has not featured in any matches for Forest post-AFCON, missed consecutive Premier League encounters against West Ham United and Aston Villa.

Nottingham Forest’s head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, confirmed Aina’s injury over the weekend, refraining from providing a specific timeline for his return but expressing optimism about his progress towards full recovery.

Before his AFCON duties, Aina had been a key player for Nottingham Forest, participating in fourteen matches since his summer transfer to the City Ground.

The former Chelsea and Torino star contributed with one goal and an assist during this period.