Taiwo Awoniyi in induced coma after emergency surgery
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is in an induced coma after undergoing “urgent” surgery for an abdominal injury, according to reports from England.
Awoniyi suffered the injury after colliding with the goal frame after coming on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw against Leicester on Sunday.
The Nigerian international underwent an operation on Monday. He was put in a coma to facilitate his recovery, restrict his movements and regulate his heart rate, according to the PA news agency.
The second part of the surgery is expected to be completed on Wednesday.
Nottingham Forest issued a statement following Awoniyi’s surgery, reporting that the player is “recovering well.” The team has two remaining matches in the Premier League, against West Ham and at home against Chelsea, as it seeks to qualify for the Champions League.
After the match against Leicester, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis entered the field and confronted coach Nuno Espírito Santo.
Espírito Santo explained that Marinakis was frustrated by a lack of communication between the bench and the medical staff following Awoniyi’s injury.
After receiving treatment, the 27-year-old striker indicated that he was fine to continue, so Espírito Santo kept him on the field and immediately made his last substitution.
However, Awoniyi felt discomfort for the rest of the match, which effectively reduced Forest to 10 players.
In its statement, Forest said Marinakis’ reaction after the match “was one of deep concern, responsibility and emotional investment in one of our own.”
“In moments like that, he demonstrates his leadership, not just with words, but with actions and presence,” the statement said. “In the last 10 minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly uncomfortable, struggling against visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines.”
“His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain, something that no one with genuine concern could ignore, drove him to enter the field. It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of how much this team and its people mean to him.”
Marinakis resigned from his position as a person with significant control of Forest in recent weeks, as the club approached an improbable Champions League qualification.
UEFA has rules to prevent clubs from participating in its competitions in any season if the owners have “decisive influence” over two clubs that qualify. Marinakis is also the president of Olympiakos, which has qualified as Greek champion.
With two matchdays to go, Forest is seventh, one point behind Chelsea, who are in fifth place. The top five will qualify for the Champions League.
