Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has provided a cautiously optimistic update on striker Taiwo Awoniyi after the Nigerian was placed in an induced coma following emergency abdominal surgery.
The 27-year-old forward sustained the injury after colliding with a goalpost during Forest's dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw with Leicester City last Sunday. Although he briefly returned to the pitch, he was visibly struggling and was later rushed to hospital, where two surgeries were performed to treat internal damage. Doctors then placed him in a medically induced coma to support his recovery.
Speaking at his Friday press conference, Nuno confirmed the surgeries were successful and described Awoniyi's current condition as positive.
"He went to surgery, surgery went well, thank God," said the Forest boss. "He is under observation now, but he is recovering. We still have to wait for the doctors to allow visits. We are concerned, but it is positive."
Awoniyi is now awake and communicating with his family, though he remains in hospital for continued care. Nuno admitted the ordeal has been tough on everyone at the club.