Nottingham Forest have confirmed that Taiwo Awoniyi was required to undergo what they describe as “urgent surgery” on Monday night.
On Sunday afternoon, Awoniyi was introduced as a late substitute during the Premier League fixture against Leicester City, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
However, the headlines after that fixture centred around a situation involving Awoniyi, who collided heavily with the post when attempting to score at the back post.
Forest’s medical staff initially deemed that the Nigeria international was able to continue, resulting in Nuno Espirito Santo using his final substitution window.
Moments later, it became apparent that the 27-year-old wanted to be withdrawn, but he would see out the eight minutes of added-on time to avoid Forest being down to 10 men, despite being barely able to contribute.
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Forest confirm Awoniyi reports
A report emerged on Monday evening that claimed that Awoniyi had been rushed to hospital earlier in the day after further medical assessment from the club’s staff and had undergone immediate surgery.
On Tuesday morning, that report was confirmed in a statement by Forest on social media.
It read: “The Club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City.
“Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo. The Club will provide further updates when appropriate.”
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Incident raises a number of issues
Awoniyi sustained the injury at the end of a move that was ultimately ruled outside. Although it was clear that would be the end result at the beginning of the attack, the directive given to officials is to not raise their flag until the end of a move in most instances.
In the aftermath, Forest’s medical staff were publicly criticised by owner Evangelos Marinakis for their misjudgement over Awoniyi’s injury.
However, that was more in relation to the use of substitution windows and whether Awoniyi could continue, rather than the severity of the issue.
Given the nature of Awoniyi’s injury, discussions will realistically have to be held between the relevant governing bodies, including the Football Association and PGMOL, to try to avoid a repeat of the incident.
Marinakis also stormed the pitch at the full-time whistle to vent his frustration at Nuno, something which has been widely criticised.
