Since winning promotion back to the Premier League, Nottingham Forest has been plagued with injuries. Last season, Steve Cooper almost never had a fully fit squad to choose from.
In reality, during the 2022/23 season, only Chelsea’s players had more injuries than Forest. This season, the Reds’ fortunes have not improved significantly.
According to certain stats this season, Forest is in the middle of the table in terms of days lost due to injury. However, it appears that only the most significant players pick them up on Trentside.
Nuno Espirito Santo has had a challenging season at Forest. After winning two of his first three games at the City Ground, he experienced a January in which a number of players were injured or left for the AFCON.
Ola Aina, for example, only returned to action about a fortnight ago. Taiwo Awoniyi and Nuno Tavares, two players who were performing under Espirito Santo, have yet to return.
Unfortunately, there is an update. Last night, some information surfaced, and Forest could soon have a fully healthy squad to choose from at the end of the season.
Nottingham Forest injury update: Taiwo Awoniyi and Nuno Tavares
It has now been revealed when two players may return, and it is fair to say that with only six games remaining in the season, that sounds like good news for Forest.
According to the Telegraph, Awoniyi will have a thigh scan this week to address a new problem that has kept him out for several weeks. Espirito Santo is hoping to have the striker available for the run-in.
Awoniyi impressed Jurgen Klopp early in his career. After the Nigerian spent some time at Liverpool, the German manager referred to him as ‘sensational’ ahead of Forest’s game against them last season.
Tavares is another player who has been out for several weeks. He was just getting settled at the City Ground when he had a thigh injury and has been sidelined since.
In other good news, the source states that the man on loan from Arsenal is close to returning and is ready to bolster the defensive ranks at the end of the season.
Forest has six games left to defend their Premier League position this season. The team is now level on points with Luton Town, with half a dozen games remaining.
Forest have a conundrum regarding their star striker next season.
Awoniyi certainly contributes something to the Forest team. However, his absence from the team this season has allowed Chris Wood to establish himself as the club’s top striker, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League.
For the first time since he arrived at Forest, Awoniyi doesn’t feel like the key striker at the club anymore. His physical style of play appears to influence the Reds’ approach, but he will have to earn his spot.
With Wood committed to Forest for next season, the club faced a conundrum. With one striker turning 33 next season and another, Awoniyi, who appears to be struggling to remain healthy, should the team look to add another talisman?
Much of this will most likely be determined by Forest’s division. However, it will undoubtedly provide fuel for thought for the powers that be at City Ground after the season is finished.
