Nottingham Forest is awaiting the results of the concussion checks on Taiwo Awoniyi to determine if the striker can face Fulham this weekend.
Awoniyi suffered a broken nose in a challenge with the goalkeeper of Exeter Joe Whitworth on Tuesday night and was treated for more than 10 minutes on the stadium at St James’ Park before leaving a stretcher.
He took out after the game to celebrate with his teammates after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out in the FA Cup fourth tie, but his availability for Saturday depends on whether the tests confirm that he suffered a concussion.
If the results determine that he has done so, he will be excluded for 12 days according to the protocol and will not return to the game against Newcastle on February 23rd.
Nuno Espirito Santo teacher said: “We are waiting for clearing from the concussion protocols. I am not sure whether it is going to be available or not (for Fulham).
“It seems okay. He smiled, it’s pain, but in these situations we have to be careful. Proper protocols, two or three days to install and we will see if available. ”
Nuno prevented our trip to the capital. 🗣*
– Nottingham Forest (@nffc) February 13th 2025
Hudson-Ooi is set to return
The forest could have the Winger Callum Hudson-Ooi available at Craven Cottage after a groin problem.
Nuno added: “He’s going. He joined the team yesterday and today. He was part of the sessions and we still have tomorrow to evaluate him and also many players due to bumps.
“I am positive that (it will be in dispute to be in the group against Fulham), but we still have to be sure they are 100%. Let’s wait tomorrow.”
The forest has excessively identified this season-they are third in the Premier League, three points behind the second placed Arsenal-partly due to maintaining basic players, and Nuno says it is his job to find answers when injuries occur.
He said: “I don’t have to think (injuries) when it doesn’t happen. When it happens, we have to find solutions. This is important to us.
“We have solutions when it comes to the depth of the team. It will be better if we can keep everyone healthy by the end of the season and we can compete in both competitions to the end. We do not operate in ‘IFS’. The important thing is that we have a balance and good team. “
