Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has ruled out Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, out of the club’s season-defining game against Chelsea on Sunday.
The 27-year old Super Eagles star is deemed unfit for the clash after suffering a serious injury in a league game against Leicester City earlier this month.
What happened to Awoniyi?
The former Union Berlin forward suffered a ruptured intestine in the league game against the Foxes after colliding with the goalpost.
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Despite receiving attention after the collision, Awoniyi attempted to play on but was however substituted with further assessment revealing the need for immediate surgery.
The Nigerian star was rushed to hospital and was initially placed in an induced coma after surgery, although he has been out and is close to full recovery.
What the coach said
“He’s much better. He’s already been able to walk. The doctor has informed us that he’s starting his normal life in terms of food, so he’s much better,” Nuno Espirito Santo said in quotes revealed byNottingham Post.
When asked if the Nigerian will be available at the stadium on Sunday, he continued; “I cannot answer whether he will be at the City Ground. I don’t know. It’s about the medical (information), so I’m not sure, but he’s OK.
We are going to be playing for T again. He is not going to be with us. It was a big issue that happened to him, and it is in our minds.
We want to see him totally healthy and joining in the group, so it is again going to be a game for T. For T, for us, for the fans, for the city, for everybody, but we just play the game”, the Portuguese concluded.
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All to fight for on game-week 38
After a surprise run earlier in the season, Forest have dropped off in recent weeks although a win over West Ham United in their last match revived hopes of playing in Europe elite club competition.
The Tricky Trees welcome Chelsea to the City Ground on Sunday, knowing that anything but a win will end their chances of securing qualification for the UCL ahead of next season.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
