Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi has reportedly been placed in an ‘induced coma’ following his injury against Leicester over the weekend. The forward crashed into the post at the City Ground and received on-pitch treatment before attempting to continue.

It quickly became apparent that Awoniyi was unable to play through the pain and he was withdrawn, with Nuno Espirito Santo unable to bring on a replacement as he had already used his fifth substitution by that time.

Forest confirmed on Tuesday that the Nigeria international has now undergone surgery, with the Daily Mail revealing that the procedure was on a serious abdominal injury which ‘could have been life-threatening’ and ‘in some cases fatal’.

The early signs of the ‘urgent’ surgery are said to be positive and doctors were hopeful of completing the operation today (Tuesday). However, they were unable to do so and Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma and continuing to receive intensive care before hopefully completing the surgery tomorrow.

After the draw with Leicester, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis raced onto the pitch to confront Nuno about the incident, with furious words exchanged. The club have since released a statement in an attempt to clear up speculation about the matter, insisting that the Forest owner was unhappy with how the matter had unfolded.

They wrote: “The seriousness of Taiwo Awoniyi's injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game and why a player's health and well-being must always come first. This principle is not just policy for us, it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn't just a club, it's family, and he instils that message in all of us.

“That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation. His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility and emotional investment in one of our own. He didn't just see it as an isolated incident, but something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.

“In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence. When he saw our player clearly in discomfort it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur.”