Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has expressed his “concern” for Taiwo Awoniyi following the striker’s serious abdominal injury. However, the coach has also indicated that the player is recovering and that the club hopes to have him for the final match of the season.
Awoniyi was transferred to the hospital on Monday and underwent “urgent” surgery due to the injury suffered in the match against Leicester City, where he collided with the goal frame.
The Nigerian striker was induced into a “coma” to aid his recovery, restricting his movements and regulating his heart rate after the operation. The second part of the surgery was scheduled for Wednesday.
The surgery went well, thank God. He is under observation, but he is recovering. We still have to wait for the doctors to allow visits. His family is with him. We are worried, but he is positive.
Nuno Espírito Santo, Nottingham Forest manager
Awoniyi’s injury has been a hard blow for the team, which has felt the difficulty of the situation. The player must remain under observation for at least five days.
After the collision with the post, Awoniyi was able to continue playing after receiving treatment on the field. However, he was unable to actively participate in the game. Forest could not replace him as they had already made all their substitutions.
Forest’s boss, Evangelos Marinakis, expressed his frustration at the decision that left the team with 10 players.
The club issued a statement explaining that the owner’s reaction was due to Awoniyi’s pain and frustration with the medical staff.
If I had to change something, it would be that, if we had known the severity of the injury, we would have called the ambulance and sent him to the hospital. But none of us knew.
Nuno Espírito Santo
The coach has expressed his desire to visit Awoniyi as soon as possible. Furthermore, he has emphasized the importance of family support at this time.
The coach hopes Awoniyi can join the team next week.
With two games remaining, Forest, who are in seventh place, have a chance to qualify for the Champions League. The next game will be against West Ham.
