Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has been ruled out until early December with a hamstring injury, in what is a major setback for both Ange Postecoglou and Eric Chelle.

Aina was forced off after just 10 minutes in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. Initial assessments revealed that the 28-year-old suffered a hamstring problem, and according to Telegraph, scans have confirmed he will not return to action until at least December at the earliest.

The length of the layoff has forced Forest into a squad reshuffle. Aina has been left out of the Premier League squad against Arsenal this Saturday, with Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi who was omitted from the Europa League list, now expected to be registered for domestic action in his place.

The setback is a significant blow for new Forest head coach Ange Postecoglou, who had earlier confirmed that Aina was undergoing scans after returning from international duty. He will not be on duty for the Super Eagles in their remaining two World Cup qualifying matches in October.