Source: REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi suffered serious abdominal injuries in Sunday’s match against Leicester City and underwent emergency surgery on Monday evening. The Nigerian international collided violently with the goalpost in the added time. Reports say that although the player’s injury is not life-threatening, immediate surgery is required. After several minutes of treatment, Awoniyi tried to continue playing but was only diagnosed with the severity of his condition when examined by the medical team on Monday. This incident led Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis to rush onto the field after the game to argue with coach Nuno Espirito Santo. At the time, the team was fully focused on attacking for what could be a crucial goal affecting Champions League qualification. Despite being injured and restricted in movement, Awoniyi was not substituted. Things got worse, as the collision was due to the assistant referee delaying the flag, allowing the obviously offside Anthony Elanga to continue the attack. For Nottingham Forest, whose hopes for the Champions League were already slim, this was a day of disappointment. Even if they win their last two matches, they would still need Aston Villa, Manchester City, or Newcastle United to drop points to achieve a turnaround. However, they have secured their place in the next season’s UEFA Conference League without worry.