When it comes to injuries at Nottingham Forest, it never rains, it pours. Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed a devastating blow to another of his best players.
Forest will have to deal with a number of ailments again in the 2023-24 season. Last season, only Chelsea had more injuries than the Reds, and the situation hasn’t changed much this season.
To be fair, majority of Forest’s team is currently available for selection. Ola Aina and Gonzalo Montiel returned to the squad on Saturday, while a few players remain injured.
Following the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, Espirito Santo stated that Willy Boly will need to be evaluated ahead of tonight’s match against Fulham – but Taiwo Awoniyi is not so fortunate.
The Nigerian has had a rather awful campaign. He was obliged to have surgery on his groin, which sidelined him for a few months earlier in the season, and he is now back on the treatment table.
Nuno Espirito Santo provides an update on Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi.
This does not appear to be a niggle that Awoniyi has picked up. He has experienced what appears to be another significant ailment, and Espirito Santo has been questioned about his striker.
Speaking after the game against Palace at the weekend, the head coach stated that he hoped to see Awoniyi again this season but couldn’t give a timetable.
He told Nottinghamshire Live: “He is undergoing treatment.” Unfortunately, there has been a serious injury. It’s a significant setback considering he had just returned from injury. Taiwo is hugely important. He offers us another option.”
Awoniyi has been a mainly satisfactory signing since joining from Union Berlin in 2022. He cost £18 million and scored 11 goals in all competitions last season, helping Forest stay in the Premier League.
Forest has a decision to make about an influential talisman.
It may sound harsh, but we believe Forest cannot rely only on Awoniyi again next season. If the team continues in the top division, it will have to make a major choice before the new season begins.
Unfortunately, Awoniyi continues to break down. He was forced into groin surgery, and now he has another mysterious injury that appears to require treatment and is ruling him out once more.
At 26 years old, Awoniyi is reaching his prime, yet a club like Forest requires him to keep fit. Thankfully, Chris Wood has stepped up this season, but he may not be back at the City Ground in the future.
When he’s fit and firing, Awoniyi is a Premier League goal-scoring threat. However, this season has been far too infrequent, thanks to a series of injuries that have kept him out.
Forest, in our opinion, must make an important decision on Awoniyi. If there are adequate funds to buy a new number-one striker, it may be worthwhile to do so and replace the present striker.
Awoniyi has performed admirably for Forest since joining the club. However, getting him on the pitch at crucial times has been difficult, and he is now becoming a problem for the team.
