AFCON 2025: Good news for Eric Chelle as Dyche offers positive update on Aina's recovery

Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche has confirmed that defender Ola Aina is making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Aina sustained the injury while on international duty with Nigeria in September and subsequently underwent surgery. The initial prognosis suggested the 29-year-old would be sidelined until December.

During a press conference, Dyche provided an update on Aina and several other injured players within the squad.

"I have made a note of them because we have got a couple of knocks," the Forest manager stated.

Dyche detailed the status of multiple players, noting, "Angus Gunn hasn’t been playing but is part of the squad, but he has opened up his knee ligaments."

He also commented on the availability of others, adding, "Woody [Chris Wood] is going to be possible for the Leeds game. He won’t make this one. We will have to see how that goes."

Regarding the Nigerian international, Dyche was optimistic. "Ola [Aina] is making good progress," he said, before mentioning setbacks for others. "Zinchenko is a no at the moment, unfortunately, and it is going to be a bit longer than we thought. Bakwa [Dilane] is still a no, but is making good progress."

The former Everton boss concluded by expressing hope that the team's injury list would not grow.

"We’re hoping no more occur, that’s for sure. A few knocks, but nothing too serious at the moment."

With Aina's recovery, he might become available for selection for the Super Eagles, as Eric Chelle aims to win AFCON 2025 in Morocco, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.