Nottingham Forest coach gives update on injured Awoniyi

Taiwo Awoniyi’s 47th minute winner against West Ham gave Nottingham Forest their first victory in the English Premier League for 23 years.

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has given an update on injured Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi ahead of Friday night’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur.

Awoniyi is proving to be a big miss as Forest are struggling to find a way to play without him.

The striker suffered a groin injury in the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in Uyo in November.

He is not expected to return until well into the new year after undergoing surgery.

Speaking in his press conference on Thursday, Cooper disclosed that Awoniyi will be out for a long time.

“Taiwo is the obvious long-term one,” Cooper said of his injury list. “He is going well but he is a long, long way from being back involved in games.

“But his programme is going well. He had a positive appointment this week. He doesn’t enjoy being injured but he is staying positive in his mentality.

“He is a likeable guy and it’s great to see him every day. The sooner we get him back, the better.”

The 26-year-old has four goals, two assists from 10 appearances in the Premier League for Forest this season.

Forest go into the meeting with Spurs on a run of one win in 12 games.

They are in 16th place on 14 points after 16 games in the league table.

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