Awoniyi injury: How long will Nigeria and Nottingham Forest star be out & which games will he miss?

Soccernet.ng rounds up what you need to know about how long the 26-year-old will be out, and when he could make his return

 

Nottingham Forest’s bid to escape relegation from the English topflight was dealt a major blow as Taiwo Awoniyi suffered an injury.

Prior to Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Luton Town, the Nigeria international suffered the knock that saw him miss the crunch tie at Kenilworth Road.

With this, the Reds will have to continue their 2023-24 campaign without the former Liverpool and Union Berlin man.

Soccernet.ng has what you need to know about how long Awoniyi could be out and which games he is set to miss.

 

What has been said?

According to Forest’s manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the Super Eagles star’s injury is a huge blow for the City Ground giants.

Awoniyi recently recovered from a groin setback that saw him miss the recently concluded Africa of Nations – where Jose Peseiro’s men finished second.

“He had a problem during the week. It is a big blow for us, a big blow. I don’t know how long he will be out for,” the tactician told the media.

If reports in the media are anything to go by, Awoniyi could be out of April fixtures.

Will Awoniyi injury affect Forest survival bid?

Judging by his contributions to the side, his absence may be felt depending on the severity and the number of days he would be out.

In 17 Premier League appearances in the ongoing season, the former Union Berlin man has accounted for six goals.

Only New Zealand international Chris Wood has bettered that figure with nine goals to his credit, while Anthony Elanga has found the net only five times.

While Awoniyi’s absence would certainly be missed, Forest have other players who can step up to fill his void.

Games that Awoniyi will likely miss

Date                                                         Fixture                                   Competition
March 3, 2024                                 Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace    Premier League
March 22, 2024                               Nigeria vs Ghana                                International Friendly
March 26, 2024                                Mali vs Nigeria                                  International Friendly
April 2, 2024                                  Nottingham Forest vs Fulham              Premier League
April 8, 2024                                 Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham      Premier League
April 13, 2024                                Nottingham Forest vs Wolves              Premier League
April 4, 2024                                 Everton vs Nottingham Forest              Premier League
April 27, 2024                               Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City  Premier League