Nottingham Forest have officially included Ola Aina in their UEFA Europa League squad ahead of the club’s final two league-phase fixtures.

The Nigeria international was registered in time for Forest’s crucial encounter against Portuguese side SC Braga, scheduled for Thursday, and could make his first appearance in the competition this season.

Aina had been sidelined since September after suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty with Nigeria. The full-back returned to action earlier this month and has since featured prominently under head coach Sean Dyche.

The defender has started three of Forest’s last four matches across all competitions, underlining his growing importance to the team.

In a further squad update, goalkeeper Angus Gunn has also been added to Forest’s Europa League list, replacing the injured John Victor.

Forest will be hoping the late reinforcements boost their chances as they look to finish the league phase strongly.