On Tuesday, the Nottingham Forest defender posted a video from his hospital bed to Instagram, showing him using crutches to move after strapping his right leg.
He thanked fans for their encouraging words after the treatment was finished on September 13, according to the video.
“I would want to express my gratitude for all of the comments and support after completing my first operation. In the little video, Aina stated, “This is God’s plan, and everything is in His time.”
The 28-year-old said in a message that went with the photo said the surgery was the beginning of a healing process that would hopefully get him back on the field soon.
“The adventure starts. The recuperation process is going well, and the surgery went incredibly well. Getting stronger is something I am looking forward to. I want to express my gratitude to the squad, the club, and all of the supporters for their amazing support.
He stated, “I am eager to return to the field at the City Ground and will be working hard every day to get back out there as soon as possible.”
Aina limped off after just ten minutes of the Super Eagles’ 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with South Africa after suffering the injury while playing for Nigeria on international duty.
The seriousness of the issue was verified by follow-up scans, and Forest’s medical team predicted that he wouldn’t be able to return until December.
Although he can be re-registered in January, Nottingham Forest has been obliged to bench the full-back for the first half of the Premier League season due to the setback.
Taiwo Awoniyi, a striker, is now anticipated to be added to the team roster because his absence created a spot for him.
Given that Aina has been one of the team’s most dependable players and head coach Eric Chelle is already juggling a number of fitness concerns with his squad, the timing is particularly troublesome for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles’ plans have relied heavily on his ability to contribute offensively and his mobility on both defensive flanks.
In order to cover the void, Chelle is anticipated to look to players like Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi for the October qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Nigeria is trying to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and they are in a close group where every point counts.
Aina’s message of appreciation and hope struck a positive chord for the club and the nation despite the inconvenience.
He assured followers of Forest and Nigeria that his attention is focused on coming back stronger, adding, “It is going to be all right.”
