‘He’s under observation’: Nottingham Forest coach speaks on Awoniyi’s surgery

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo says the outlook for Taiwo Awoniyi was “positive” after the Nigeria striker was placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery on an abdominal injury.

Awoniyi, 27, was taken to hospital on Monday after colliding with a post during a 2-2 draw at home to Leicester on Sunday.

Awoniyi had two operations to repair serious internal damage and was kept unconscious to help his recovery.

He is now awake and talking with his family, though is set to remain in hospital in the coming days.

Speaking on Friday, Nuno said: “He went to surgery, surgery went well, thank God.

“He is under observation now, but he is recovering. We still have to wait for the doctors to allow visits.

“We are concerned but it is positive. It has been very difficult because of the concern of the injury, the situation he went through.

Awoniyi out of induced coma after surgery

“It’s been very difficult, very difficult on us and on everybody, the concern of the injury that he had, the situation that he entered through, it’s been hard on us.”

Awoniyi received several minutes of treatment before being allowed to return to action against Leicester, though he was barely able to walk when he went back on to the pitch.

The extent of his injury was revealed on Monday by the club’s medical staff.

The draw with Leicester left Forest, away to West Ham on Sunday, seventh in the Premier League table with two games remaining.

They have qualified for European competition but are now outsiders to reach the top five, which would mean Champions League football next season.

The Star