Nottingham Forest’s hopes of a swift recovery for striker Taiwo Awoniyi are hanging in the balance as the Nigerian forward continues to recover from a concussion and a broken nose suffered in the club’s recent FA Cup victory over Exeter City.
Despite being sidelined due to concussion protocols, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo remains optimistic that Awoniyi will be fit for Forest’s crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Awoniyi, who was in superb form for Forest, scoring in the team’s win over Exeter, was stretchered off after a nasty collision inside the penalty area late in the match.
The injury sent shockwaves through the squad, and the 27-year-old has since been undergoing concussion protocols that prevent him from featuring for 12 days.
However, his injury woes don’t stop there—he also suffered a broken nose during the same incident.
The striker has been fitted with a protective mask, and Forest’s medical team is closely monitoring his recovery.
Speaking after the 2-1 defeat to Fulham, Nuno confirmed that Awoniyi, who had been expected to feature, was ruled out due to the failure to clear him under the concussion protocols.
However, the manager expressed his hope that the forward will make a timely recovery and be ready to face Newcastle at St James’ Park next weekend.
“We didn’t have the clearance from the Premier League about the concussion protocols so he was not able to go in the squad,” Nuno explained.
“I hope he will be OK for the next one. He is feeling fine; it is about making sure we follow the protocols. He was OK but we have to respect the protocols.”
This setback comes at a time when the Nigerian international was beginning to find his stride.
Awoniyi ended a 324-day goal drought last month, scoring for the first time since his Premier League debut season.
He was expected to play a pivotal role for Forest in their bid to stay clear of relegation, having shown glimpses of his potential despite a limited role this season.
The striker’s absence is another blow for Forest, who have struggled with injuries and inconsistency this campaign.
While the Reds were boosted by the return of Callum Hudson-Odoi at Craven Cottage, Forest’s 2-1 defeat at Fulham highlights their struggles with injuries, with backup goalkeeper Carlos Miguel now sidelined for several weeks.
As for Taiwo Awoniyi, his return to form has been a bright spot in what has been a challenging season.
Despite his reduced playing time—only 248 minutes of Premier League football so far—he has shown the promise that earned him a successful debut season with the club. Nuno remains confident that the Nigerian striker can return to his best.
“Taiwo can absolutely get back to that previous level,” Nuno said of Awoniyi.
“Yes, absolutely, because he shows it every day. He works very hard and we cannot forget the importance of Taiwo to Forest and the history of what he has done for the club.”
With his sights set on Newcastle United next Sunday, the question remains: Will Taiwo Awoniyi make a quick recovery to take his place in the squad?
