Forest Sweat On Ola Aina Fitness, Bonfrere Questions Simeone’s Lookman Call

Nottingham Forest boss Vítor Pereira says he is unsure whether Ola Aina will be fit for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

The defender picked up an injury in last week’s first leg and missed Monday night’s 3-1 Premier League win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Forest travel to Birmingham protecting a slender 1-0 advantage secured by Chris Wood’s penalty.

Pereira admitted several players remain doubtful but insisted belief inside the camp has not wavered.

“We have a lot of doubts with players but we cannot have doubts around the spirit and what we want and our belief,” Pereira was quoted by the club’s official website.

“We will have a meeting with the army and what soldiers we have to go into battle.”

Forest’s European push has gathered momentum in recent weeks, though Aina’s availability remains a key concern ahead of a decisive night.

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles coach Jo Bonfrere has criticised Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone for substituting Ademola Lookman during the club’s Champions League exit to Arsenal.

Naija News reports that Atletico were knocked out 2-1 on aggregate after losing 1-0 at Emirates Stadium, where Bukayo Saka scored before half-time. Lookman started alongside Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez but was replaced in the 57th minute by Nahuel Molina as Atletico chased the game.

“I watched the match. I’m not the Atletico Madrid coach, but when Diego Simeone removed Lookman early in the second half, he took away ‘speed’ from the team,” Bonfrere told Completesports.

“Lookman had pace and was effective in one-on-one situations. But when Simeone decided to take him off in the 57th minute and replaced him with players who are more physically gifted, I knew Atletico Madrid would struggle.”