Forest boss Steve Cooper delivers Awoniyi’s injury update ahead of Manchester City clash

Taiwo Awoniyi has missed eight Nottingham Forest games after suffering an injury.

Nottingham Forest manager, Steve Cooper, delivers an update on Taiwo Awoniyi's injury ahead of his team's match against Manchester City.

The Super Eagles attacker has been sidelined from Cooper's squad due to a groin injury suffered in their 1-0 loss to Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian International was gradually settling into a new life in West Bridgford and was beginning to catch up with the rapid pace of the English Premier League.

With this, the Nigerian's value to the squad was starting to be felt, as he tallied in many critical matches, including a solitary goal in their 1-nil triumph against the Saints. He did, however, pick up an injury as well as the tie's Man Of The Match.

FULL-TIME Southampton 0-1 Nott’m Forest

Forest take all three points on the South Coast thanks to Taiwo Awoniyi’s first-half opener
#SOUNFO pic.twitter.com/Ivj9iEoY44

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 4, 2023

Nevertheless, as previously reported by soccernet.ng, the former Union Berlin attacker will be sidelined for eight weeks, ruling him out of key crucial matches, including the Reds' dual Carabao Cup semi-final game with Manchester United and their 2-0 triumph over Leicester City.

Cooper, in his pre-match press conference before his squad takes on Pep Guardiola's men at the City Ground Stadium revealed that the Nigerian is making progress in his recuperation.

“He’s doing alright. He’s progressing, slowly” he said, as quoted by Nottinghampost.

He stated that he might not be able to offer a certain date for when the forward would return, but he is making progress.

“I can’t give you a date on Taiwo, but I know he’s progressing really well. Cheikhou (Kouyate) is as well.

“Omar (Richards), Moussa (Niakhate)… they’re all working well. We're working strongly with them. They are all at different stages of their recovery. Maybe in a couple of weeks I'll have a bit more information on Taiwo.” he continued.

The Tricky Trees suffered their first defeat since the start of the 2023 campaign against Fulham FC and will be aiming for a comeback against the Cityzens.