Can Taiwo Awoniyi save Nottingham Forest from relegation again?

Awoniyi has been out for over a month, but he could be final in the final games of the season

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi could return to action for Nottingham Forest when they play Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Awoniyi has been brilliant for Nottingham Forest since he joined the club from German club Union Berlin two years ago. Unfortunately for him, he has struggled with injuries.

Last season, he missed 15 games because of a groin injury. This season, he underwent a surgery after the problem resurfaced in November. But after returning in February, he was sidelined after eight games in March.

Since then, Awoniyi has missed seven games. In his absence, the club has managed just one win. They currently sit 17th in the Premier League with 26 points pending the outcome of the appeal of their four-point deduction.

With the club struggling, Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that Awoniyi will be available for selection in their Premier League clash against Sheffield United on Saturday.

It is unlikely that Awoniyi will start at Bramall Lane because it would be his first game. However, from next week, Santo would be looking to start him in the last two games against Chelsea and Burnley.

Although Chris Wood has been decent, he is not as prolific as Awoniyi. In the last game against Manchester City, Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga, and Callum Hodson-Odio missed some chances that Awoniyi would have put away easily.

Also, last season, Awoniyi was the catalyst for Nottingham Forest survival. He scored six goals in their last four matches to keep them alive. Now, he has just three games left to do that. It is also important to note that he scored a brace against Chelsea in one of the last three games of the season, and a similar performance can not be ruled out.

If Awoniyi can get into his groove immediately, Nottigham Forest could seal their fate even before the final game of the season.

This post was last modified on May 4, 2024 5:37 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

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