Nizaar Kinsella has shared his thoughts on Ola Aina’s absence at Nottingham Forest, insisting the team continues to miss the Nigerian international despite Harry Toffolo’s brilliant performance against Tottenham Hotspur.
Aina has been sidelined with a calf injury he sustained during Forest’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the City Ground, forcing him to miss three crucial league matches against Aston Villa, Everton, and Tottenham.
During his analysis on BBC Sport, Kinsella praised Aina as one of the Premier League’s most overlooked talents and insisted that Forest are still suffering from his absence.
“One of the most underrated players in the Premier League is Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina and he is sorely missed by the Midlands club,” Kinsella remarked.
While Forest have won once and lost twice in Aina’s absence, Kinsella acknowledged the efforts of Harry Toffolo, who stepped up in the recent victory over Spurs.
“However, as manager Nuno Espirito Santo scrambles to replace him, he has found Harry Toffolo again and he has done a good job today on his first Premier League start,” he said.
“He has just hooked Dejan Kulusevski’s header from under the crossbar to keep the clean sheet in tact – for now at least.”
Aina has been instrumental for Forest this season, making 32 appearances across all competitions and contributing two goals and an assist.
His ability to impact both ends of the pitch has made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the squad.
With the season nearing its conclusion, Forest fans will be hoping Aina regains full fitness soon — not just to bolster the club’s final push.
but also to prove his readiness for the Super Eagles ahead of the upcoming Unity Cup.