Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured intestine the result of a violent collision with the goalpost during Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday. According to BBC Sport, a full investigation will assess why the medical team deemed him fit to return.
After spending Tuesday in an induced coma, Awoniyi underwent a second procedure on Wednesday to close the abdominal wound. He regained consciousness later that evening and is said to be in stable condition.
Taiwo Awoniyi incident
Awoniyi was attempting to get on the end of a cross by winger Anthony Elanga when he suffered his injury. Replays showed Elanga was offside in the build-up. The injury suffered by Awoniyi has raised questions about the future of the offside law.
Awoniyi initially received extensive medical treatment following the crash with the post but was surprisingly allowed to continue playing, despite clearly showing signs of discomfort. With all substitutions already used, Forest had limited options. Still, a visibly struggling Awoniyi remained on the pitch, a decision now under internal review.
The incident left the 27-year-old Nigerian forward in an induced coma, sparking serious concern and prompting a heated on-pitch confrontation between club chairman Evangelos Marinakis and manager Nuno Espirito Santo at full-time.
In a strongly-worded statement, Forest said: "There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue."
Will Taiwo Awoniyi take part in remaining Premier League matches?
Awoniyi will play no part in Forest’s remaining Premier League fixtures. Despite a poor run of form just one win in their last six games the Midlands side remains in contention for a Champions League spot, though their hopes hinge on a strong finish and favorable results elsewhere.
