Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is set to have surgery to repair the abdominal injury he sustained against Leicester City.
Awoniyi was taken to hospital today, after checks by the club’s medical staff revealed that the problem required urgent treatment.
The Nigeria international sustained the injury late in the 2-2 draw at the City Ground, after colliding with the post.
Awoniyi, 27, tried to play through the pain after sustaining the injury, which came as he slid in bravely in an attempt to get on the end of an Anthony Elanga cross.
Elanga had been clearly offside in the build-up to the goal, and Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy called for a change in the rules in the aftermath, to avoid such incidents happening again.
“When it is so clear, then put the flag up. When you are in doubt, we have VAR to give us the chance to be sure. But when it is that obvious, stop the players sprinting 40m or 50m and prevent moments like that,” said van Nistelrooy, in his post-match press conference.
Awoniyi needed roughly three minutes of treatment after the collision and was subsequently substituted in the 91st minute of the game following what Nuno Espirito Santo described as a ‘miscommunication’ between the player, the club’s medical staff, and the coaching team.
Forest used their last available substitution window to replace Elliot Anderson with Jota, as Awoniyi waited on the touchline to be given permission to come back on to the pitch.
“It was disappointing for everybody. Unfortunately, we had to play the last 10 minutes with one man less. T (Awoniyi) gave it a go, but it was too painful for him to really push and help the team,” said Nuno in his press conference.
“There was a misunderstanding between the coaching staff and the medical department. We had the heads up to make a sub, then T tried, but he could not.”
The issue was the subject of an animated conversation between Nuno and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis on the pitch after the final whistle.
Awoniyi has made three starts and 23 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring one goal.
(Photo: Ed Sykes/Getty Images)