Trouble for Awoniyi? Nottingham Forest boss Nuno reveals why Super Eagles striker didn’t play in first pre-season game

Nottingham Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi missed their first pre-season game against Chesterfield because of a discomfort, Soccernet.ng reports.

Awoniyi joined Nottingham Forest two years ago, and he was expected to start delivering the goods for them immediately, just as he did at Union Berlin.

At first, the 26-year-old striker proved to be reliable in front of goal, but he started struggling with injuries. In his first season at the City Ground Awoniyi missed 17 games  because of a groin injury. And last season, he was sidelined for 18 games for the same issues.

The former Union Berlin man underwent surgery last season, but he could not finish the campaign with Nottingham Forest, as he sustained another injury.

Nonetheless, Awoniyi seemed to have returned to full fitness, judging by the pictures videos on his social media page. But surprisingly, he was not part of Nottingham Forest’s squad for their pre-season game against Chesterfield on Saturday.

The Tricky Trees won the game 3-0 and after the fixture, coach Nuno revealed that Awoniyi missed the game because of a discomfort.

“He (Awoniyi) had a problem in the first training session of the week. Let’s see how long it takes,” Nuno said per Nottingham Post.

“It was something in his calf. Unfortunately not (for today). Hopefully he doesn’t miss too much of pre-season. For all of them, it (pre-season) is important, and more so for Taiwo.”

Despite his setback, Awoniyi will be part of Nottingham Forest’s trip to Spain next week, and he will be looking to play a big role in their pre-season.