Cooper confirms huge Awoniyi injury blow for Forest | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has confirmed Taiwo Awoniyi is set for a stint on the sidelines with a groin injury.

The striker played an hour for Nigeria in their 1-1 draw with Lesotho last week before withdrawing from international duty, having aggravated an injury he first picked up in October.

Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Brighton this Saturday, Cooper said: “It’s bad news on Taiwo, he’s had to have surgery and he is going to be out for months.”

“We’ll support him and try to get him back as quick and as fit as he can be, but it’s a really unfortunate situation and a blow for him.”

“We’ve got to support him through the process of coming back stronger. He’s done that once before here and I’m sure he will give everything again like he did last time.”

Awoniyi has been a crucial player for Forest since joining last summer and had scored four goals in 11 appearances to date this season, including one in their 3-2 loss at West Ham prior to the international break.

It represents a big blow to Forest’s aspirations this season, although they currently sit eight points above the relegation zone.