Taiwo Awoniyi: Nuno provides update on Forest striker and admits one regret

Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo expressed hope that Taiwo Awoniyi will be able to attend the final game of the season against Chelsea.

Awoniyi was hospitalised after sustaining a serious injury from colliding with the post during a match against Leicester City on Sunday, which the Tricky Trees drew 2-2. 

Initially treated on the pitch, he later underwent surgery and was placed in a medical coma, though he is now awake and recovering. 

Nuno described the situation as "very difficult" for the team and the player’s family, acknowledging miscommunication regarding Awoniyi's condition during the match. 

“He went to surgery, surgery went well, thank God,” Nuno said in Friday's press conference.

“He is under observation now, but he is recovering. We still have to wait for the doctors to allow visits (beyond immediate family). His family are there with him. We are concerned but it is positive.

“It has been very difficult because of the concern of the injury; the situation he went through. It’s been very difficult, very difficult on us and on everybody, the concern of the injury that he had, the situation that he has been through, it’s been hard on us. 

“The information that we have is that at least five days he has to be there under observation, so that everything goes well.

The Forest boss then revealed his one regret about the incident, while offering some positive news regarding the forward’s possible return.

“If I had to change anything, it would be that, immediately if we knew the seriousness of the injury, we would have called the ambulance and sent him to the hospital,” said the Forest boss. “But none of us knew that.

“I hope that next week he can join us and be around because he’s a wonderful boy, a wonderful boy, and this season has been so hard on him.”

The manager then emphasised the importance of the family’s presence and the team’s determination as they prepare for their final clash with Chelsea, which could have implications for Champions League qualification.

Forest enter Sunday's match with West Ham United in seventh, albeit one point shy of fifth-placed Chelsea.