Chukwueze Cleared To Face Wolves, Ola Aina Nears Nottingham Forest Return

Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, has been declared fit to feature for Fulham in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage, while Ola Aina continues to make steady progress in his recovery from a long-term hamstring injury at Nottingham Forest.

Chukwueze, who joined Fulham on loan from AC Milan during the summer window, has played just 63 minutes for the Cottagers so far. The 26-year-old has been sidelined with a calf problem since returning from international duty in September, where he shone for Nigeria by providing two assists in a 4-0 win over Benin.

In his absence, Fulham have struggled for form, failing to win any of their matches in regulation time. However, head coach Marco Silva provided some positive news ahead of Saturday’s encounter with Wolves.

“Things look better,” Silva said in his pre-match press conference. “Smith Rowe and Harry Wilson are in contention. Rodrigo Muniz and Samuel Chukwueze (are also) in contention.”

Fulham, who have lost four of their last five games, are desperate to turn their season around against a Wolves side also battling poor form, having lost their last three matches and gone five games without a win.

Meanwhile, at Nottingham Forest, Ola Aina is edging closer to full fitness after undergoing hamstring surgery that kept him out since September. The 28-year-old sustained the injury during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers, a setback that initially cast doubt over his availability for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

In a recent club video released on his birthday, Aina was seen taking part in rehabilitation sessions as he continues to rebuild strength and elasticity in his hamstring. Forest manager Sean Dyche confirmed the defender’s recovery is on track ahead of their clash with Manchester United this weekend.

“Ola (Aina) is making good progress. Zinchenko is a no at the moment, unfortunately, and it is going to be a bit longer than we thought,” Dyche said.

Since Aina’s injury, Nigeria have been forced to improvise at right-back, with 18-year-old FCV Dender defender Benjamin Frederick stepping in. Though the youngster has impressed, the Super Eagles have clearly missed Aina’s experience and attacking drive down the flank.