Ola Aina and Murillo React as Key Nottingham Forest Star Welcomed Back Ahead of Arsenal Clash

Excitement is building at Nottingham Forest as a pivotal player returns to the squad just in time for their crucial Premier League clash against league leaders Arsenal on January 17, 2026, at the City Ground. The key star, sidelined by injury earlier in the season, has been warmly welcomed back by teammates Ola Aina and Murillo, boosting morale ahead of this high-stakes matchup.

Forest, managed by Sean Dyche, sit 19th in the table with 6 wins, 3 draws, and 12 losses from 21 games, earning 21 points and mired in a relegation scrap. They've won just one of their last five league outings—a vital victory over West Ham—but stumbled in the FA Cup third round against Wrexham. Positive Europa League results offer some respite, yet Dyche craves a statement win against the Gunners, who lead by six points with a 15-4-2 record and 49 points.[1][7]

The returning star's availability is a game-changer, with predicted lineup featuring Matz Sels in goal; Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, and Neco Williams in defense; Elliot Anderson and Nicolás Dominguez in midfield; and attackers Omari Hutchinson, Morgan Gibbs-White (5 goals), Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Igor Jesus up top. Chris Wood remains out injured, but the attacking trio of Gibbs-White, Hutchinson, and Hudson-Odoi has shone recently.[1][3]

"Thrilled to have our brother back—let's do this!" – Ola Aina, reacting on social media.

"Massive boost. Welcome home, warrior!" – Murillo, posting a photo with the player.

Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are in rampant form (WWWWD), unbeaten in their last five league meetings with Forest—including three straight clean-sheet wins—and fresh off a midweek League Cup triumph. Despite a recent goalless draw with Liverpool, they're quadruple hopefuls. Prediction: Forest 1-3 Arsenal, though the hosts dream of an upset.[1][9]

Kickoff is 17:30 UTC (12:30 PM ET), live on NBC and Peacock. Forest fans pack the City Ground, fueled by the star's return and reactions from Aina and Murillo.[3][5]

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