Latest Nottingham Forest news as Reds head coach Steve Cooper reacts to striker suffering groin injury.
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been tipped to come back even stronger once he recovers from a groin problem.
Head coach Steve Cooper admits it is a blow to lose the Reds’ talisman for a month. But Awoniyi has previously shown he can find form after a spell on the sidelines, and he has been backed to do so again.
The 26-year-old suffered a similar issue last season – albeit on the opposite leg to this time around. However, he finished the campaign with a superb run of goals, then picked up where he left off when the 2023/24 term began.
“Of course it is a blow,” Cooper said of losing Awoniyi. “He’s been our man up front.
“He’s out for a month. He did it in the game against Brentford.
“He’s been injured before and came back really strong, so he knows he can do it. He’ll commit to that.
“We’ll get T into recovery and rehab as quick as we can. We’ll give every help we can give him, because we know his attitude will be great as he tries to get back with us as soon as possible.”
The international break should at least limit the games Awoniyi is likely to miss. The Reds end October with matches against Luton Town and Liverpool, meaning a return in early November could see him available for the City Ground clash with Aston Villa on Bonfire Night.
Having picked up the injury in the 1-1 draw with the Bees, Awoniyi was replaced in the starting XI by Chris Wood for Saturday’s goalless stalemate at Crystal Palace. The visitors were also without Ola Aina, Nuno Tavares, Felipe and Danilo, while Serge Aurier was forced off at half-time after picking up a knock.
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