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Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has delivered a cautiously optimistic update on Taiwo Awoniyi after the striker underwent emergency surgery following a serious abdominal injury, Footynaija.com reports.
The 27-year-old Nigeria international collided with the post while chasing a late cross during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City. Although the move was eventually ruled offside, the flag was delayed due to the Premier League’s VAR protocol, which has since drawn criticism from teammates including Ola Aina.
Awoniyi received treatment on the pitch before briefly returning to action, despite struggling to walk. He was later taken to hospital, where Forest’s medical staff discovered internal damage requiring two operations across Monday and Wednesday.
Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi has woken from an induced coma after undergoing surgery to repair a serious abdominal injury.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 14, 2025
Having had the first part of the surgery on Monday, he spent Tuesday in an induced coma as medical staff monitored his progress as part of the… pic.twitter.com/Ab1A31ppnN
He was placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery and was brought out of it successfully midweek.
“He went through surgery — thank God, it went well,” Nuno said ahead of Forest’s crucial visit to West Ham. “He’s under observation now, and we’re still waiting for clearance to visit. We’re concerned, but it’s positive.”
The former Union Berlin forward remains in hospital under observation for at least five days. Forest are hopeful he could be well enough to watch their final game of the season against Chelsea.
“It’s been very difficult — for him, his family, and for us,” Nuno added. “But he’s in good hands, and the players are constantly messaging. We just want him back around us. He’s a wonderful boy.”
Awoniyi has made 26 Premier League appearances this season for Nottingham Forest. Since joining Forest in 2022, he’s netted 19 times in 85 appearances across all competitions and earned 10 caps for Nigeria.
