Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is in an induced coma after having the first phase of surgery on a serious abdominal injury.
He Collided with the post in the 88th minute of the 2-2 draw
The Nigeria international, 27, collided with the post in the 88th minute of the 2-2 draw against Leicester at the City Ground on Sunday as he attempted to get on the end of a cross from Anthony Elanga.
He had surgery on Monday night and remains in hospital, with the rest of the procedure set to be completed on Wednesday.
In an official statement, Nottingham Forest reinforced their commitment to player welfare: “The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first. At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy, it is a deeply held belief and conviction of our owner.”
Taiwo Awoniyi is currently in his third season with Nottingham Forest
Awoniyi is currently in his third season with Nottingham Forest, and has made three starts with one goal in the Premier League this term. With two games remaining, starting with a clash against West Ham United on Sunday, Forest are pushing for a top-five finish in hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. The striker’s injury is not just a personal blow but a major setback for Forest’s European ambitions, with his presence sorely missed in their final league battles.
The striker’s injury is not just a personal blow but a major setback for Forest’s European ambitions
The club accompanied that update with an attack on their own medical staff and those including Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, who criticised owner Evangelos Marinakis for entering the field and appearing to remonstrate with boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Awoniyi could not be substituted because Forest had used their last available switch to replace Elliot Anderson with Jota Silva. The forward tried to carry on, but was unable to move properly as Forest chased a late winner which would have boosted their Champions League qualification hopes.
