'Sooner we get him back, the better' - Nottingham Forest boss gives injury update on Awoniyi 

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper faced the cameras on Thursday, on the eve of his side's Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground. 

Cooper, for sure, will not be able to call upon the services of Taiwo Awoniyi who faces up to three months on the sidelines, effectively ruling him out of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. 

Awoniyi  has undergone surgery after aggravating a groin injury whilst on international duty with the Super Eagles in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho last month. 

Forest's performances have been disappointing without the Nigerian center forward available foe selection, having picked up one point from a possible twelve in the Premier League. 

Awoniyi was a pivotal figure for the two-time European champions before suffering a long-term injury, registering six goal involvements in ten top-flight games. 

Cooper has emphasized that it would be of benefit to Nottingham Forest if Awoniyi recovers from his injury layoff. 

In quotes relayed by NottinghamshireLive, the 2017 England U17 World Cup-winning manager stated: "Taiwo is the obvious long-term one. He is going well but he is a long, long way from being back involved in games.

"But his programme is going well. He had a positive appointment this week. He doesn't enjoy being injured but he is staying positive in his mentality.

"He is a likeable guy and it’s great to see him every day. The sooner we get him back, the better."

The loss of Awoniyi has affected Nottingham Forest's position in the Premier League as they are 16th in the table, five points from the drop zone, throwing the future of Cooper into doubt. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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