Nuno: Awoniyi progressing with his fitness

Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi (left) and Sheffield United's John Egan battle for the ball during the Premier League match at the City Ground, Nottingham. Picture date: Friday August 18, 2023.

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Mar 02, 2024. 13:15

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo believes Taiwo Awoniyi will soon be back to peak condition as he continues to build up his match fitness since returning from a groin injury.

The Nigeria international missed the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after undergoing surgery in November which kept him on the sidelines for nine Premier League games.

Awoniyi made his comeback in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on January 30, stepping off the bench to score in the 89th minute and he also found the back of the net when Forest beat West Ham 2-0 on February 17.

The 26-year-old striker played the entire 90 minutes against Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday as Nuno’s side were eliminated following a 1-0 loss at the City Ground.

Speaking ahead of the home clash with league leaders Liverpool on Saturday, Nuno feels Awoniyi is making steady progress with his fitness.

“He played a crucial role in the previous game (against Manchester United), not just for 45 minutes, but he managed to finish the entire game today,” the Portuguese tactician said in his pre-match press conference.

“I believe he’s progressing in terms of fitness. He had been out for a considerable period, so his recovery for the next match will be vital.”