‘He’s struggling’… Nuno says one Nottingham Forest player isn’t completely fit yet
Nuno Espirito Santo has delivered an update on Taiwo Awoniyi after Nottingham Forest beat West Ham 2-0 at the City Ground.
The head coach was speaking to BBC Sport.
So, what has Espirito Santo said about Forest striker Awoniyi? Let’s take a closer look…
What Nuno Espirito Santo said about Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi
Well, it was once again an anxious moment for the Reds fan base as Awoniyi was substituted after picking up a knock.
Hopefully, it isn’t too serious and Awoniyi can be fit and ready to play against Aston Villa next week.
The 26-year-old set Forest on their way here with a well-taken goal just before the half-time interval.
His crisp finish epitomised what he’s all about and he’s a very important player for Forest.
After the game, Espirito Santo was quizzed on Forest star Awoniyi and he explained that he’s not quite fully fit yet.
He told BBC Sport: “Strikers are about scoring but for us, it’s more than that. They have to work, they have to read the game and when the moment comes put it inside the net.
“We know he is struggling in terms of fitness but it’s up to us to manage him.”
Awoniyi fitness struggles are problematic
The striker signed for £18 million from Union Berlin is brilliant – but it’s fair to say that his injury struggles are a concern.
Since arriving at Forest in the summer of 2022 Awoniyi has spent a number of months out injured and he’s had some rotten luck.
Yesterday, he appeared to pull up in the second half and the hope will be that this was nothing more than a bit of fatigue.
Forest are a completely different team when Awoniyi is on the pitch and hopefully, the Reds striker hasn’t picked up anything serious.
The Reds are now five points clear of safety and they will hope to keep Awoniyi on the pitch for as many games as possible going forward.
