Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday morning, Coventry City manager Frank Lampard addressed Taiwo Awoniyi's unavailability for the Sky Blues' Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The Premier League has confirmed that the Nigeria international is suspended for gameweeks 5 and 6, ruling him out of Coventry City's upcoming fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.
Awoniyi also missed Coventry's Carabao Cup clash with Aston Villa on Wednesday after being sent off in last weekend's defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old has been a regular in Coventry's attack since joining the club, starting four of the five matches in which he has been available for selection.
Having spent four years at Nottingham Forest, Awoniyi would have been familiar with the club and the City Ground, making his absence particularly disappointing for both the player and Coventry.
Lampard acknowledged that the suspension is unfortunate, especially given Awoniyi's strong connection with his former club.
"Taiwo has come in and played for us while he was still searching for real match fitness because of the protracted transfer. He came in quite late and hasn't played pre-season games.
"He was getting better and will get better. Now he has to train and get fit.
"It's a shame that he’s not going back to Forest, where he is obviously held in high regard personally, and also he’s an important player for us."
Awoniyi has one goal and an assist for Coventry City following his summer move from Nottingham Forest.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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