Forest manager explains Taiwo Awoniyi absence vs Luton Town, rues misswed chances

Caretaker March 17, 2024

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Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has shed light on the absence of Taiwo Awoniyi from the matchday squad for the Premier League clash against Luton Town, attributing it to a minor injury.

It has been revealed that the Super Eagles striker sustained a knock in the lead-up to the fixture at Kenilworth Road, which led to his omission from the squad.

Awoniyi, who has earned a recall to the Nigeria national team for the upcoming internationals against Ghana and Mali, faces uncertainty over his participation in these games due to his injury.

Since recovering from a previous injury sustained while on international duty with the Super Eagles in a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, the former Liverpool player has been heavily involved, starting five out of nine possible games in league and cup competitions.

With Nottingham Forest currently embroiled in a relegation battle with nine matches remaining in the season, Nuno Espirito Santo emphasised the importance of having all his strikers in top form.

Reflecting on his team’s missed opportunities against Luton Town, the Portuguese manager stressed the need for strikers to convert chances into goals.

He highlighted the setback caused by Awoniyi’s fitness concern, expressing hope for his speedy recovery and emphasising the importance of keeping another key striker, Chris Wood, fit.

The Portuguese coach told BBC Match of the Day: “We need our strikers to finish and score.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had a big blow with the fitness of Taiwo Awoniyi – he had a knock during the week so let’s see how he is – so hopefully Chris [Wood] stays well. It is important that we keep him fit.”

Awoniyi made a stellar start to the season, making significant contributions by either scoring goals or providing assists in each of his first five Premier League games.