Influential Ola Aina in recovery after successful hamstring surgery

The 28-year-old defender was replaced after just 10 minutes in the clash against South Africa that ended in a 1-1 draw and all but ended the Super Eagles' hopes of qualification.

He is expected to be sidelined for some time, leaving new Nottingham Forest coach Ange Postecoglou having to deal with the prospect of an extended spell without the player.

Postecoglou told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I was looking forward to working with him. I watched him as an opponent last year and, particularly with the way I like my full-backs to play, he was a perfect fit for it.

"I know he was excited by the season ahead, back in European football. Sometimes when these things happen early in the year, I said to him that the best part of the season will be there for him so he can make a massive impact when it is most needed.

"His surgery went really well - that's the first thing ticked. Now he's got to work hard and rehab, which I'm sure he will, and he'll stay close to the group."

Aina, who played all of Forest's opening three games of the new Premier League season added on social media: "Surgery went really well and recovery is going smoothly.

"A massive thank you to the club, my team-mates and all the fans for the incredible [support] for the past few days, it's meant a lot."

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