'His family are there' - Nottingham Forest manager concerned but hopeful over Taiwo Awoniyi

Nottingham Forest Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo says the club remains deeply concerned but hopeful about the recovery of striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who underwent urgent surgery following a serious injury sustained during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

Awoniyi suffered a ruptured intestine after a heavy collision with the goalpost in the second half of the Premier League match at the City Ground. 

Despite the severity of the injury, the 27-year-old managed to continue playing before being taken to hospital, where he later underwent emergency surgery and was placed in an induced coma for treatment and observation.

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Nuno confirmed that the operation had been successful, though the striker remains under close medical supervision.

“He went to surgery, the surgery went well, thank God. He's in observation now, I think he's recovering but we still have to wait for the doctors to allow visits," the Portuguese football tactician was quoted as saying by The BBC.

"His family are there, we are concerned but we are positive."

The manager admitted that the incident has taken an emotional toll on the squad, who were visibly shaken by the injury to their teammate.

"It has been very difficult on us and on everybody because of the concern of the injury that he had and the situation he went through. It has been hard on us,” he added.

Awoniyi has battled injuries throughout the season. His latest setback comes at a critical time as Forest prepare for their upcoming fixtures in the Premier League run-in.

The club has not placed a timeframe on his return, but Nuno is hopeful that Awoniyi will be well enough to reunite with teammates in the near future.

Wale Adejumo

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