Nottingham Forest boss provides Taiwo Awoniyi injury update ahead of Newcastle clash

Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has declared Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, fit to play against Newcastle United on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old attacker found the back of the net in the Red’s FA Cup victory over Exeter, but things went south for the former Union Berlin forward after the opposition’s goalkeeper knocked him out.

Awoniyi suffered a concussion and a broken nose, missing Forest’s clash against Fulham last week, but he’s set to return to action this weekend.

11 Feb 2025 Joe Whitworth clashes with Taiwo Awoniyi during the Emirates FA Cup 4th round match between Exeter City and Nottingham Forest at St James Park, Devon. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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In a clash that could be pivotal to the top four hopes of Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at the end of the season, Nuno Espirito Santo revealed Awoniyi, like Osimhen, will wear a mask when called upon.

“He is clear on his concussion protocols so he is available. He will have to wear a mask, but he is okay. The mask is always something that bothers (players) but he is trying to get used to it. Neco is using one also, but I think he will be okay,” the former Tottenham Hotspur coach said in quotes revealed by Nottingham Post.

Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest’s head coach, and Taiwo Awoniyi celebrate victory during the match between Nottingham Forest and Brighton and Hove Albion at the City Ground. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Additionally, the Portuguese manager weighed in on the possibility of his side finishing in the Premier League top four at the end of the season.

“The players don’t talk about it [finishing in the top four]. They are just sitting down and thinking about the next training session. I don’t listen to what they talk about. We only talk about the Champions League and Europe when I’m with the media. Because it doesn’t mean anything. What’s the point?

“I understand all the questions, but it’s how we do it. You can dream whatever you want. Just change the ingredients of your dream. You wake up happier, but nothing changes,” Nuno concluded.

Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest celebrates victory during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest [Photo credit/Imago]

Nottingham Forest are currently third on the Premier League table, three points above Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City while Newcastle are in 7th place, six points below Forest.