Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has provided a fresh update on the fitness of forward Taiwo Awoniyi.
The 26-year-old suffered a groin strain in the 1-1 draw against Brentford back in October, with the striker missing games against Crystal Palace and Luton Town.
Awoniyi made his return to action off the bench in the 3-0 defeat at Liverpool last Sunday, replacing Willy Boly in the 70th minute.
However, boss Cooper has admitted that he’s unsure whether the striker will lead the line against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
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Cooper on Awoniyi’s fitness
Speaking in his pre-match press conference yesterday, Cooper admitted that Awoniyi’s situation is a frustrating one for him and the Reds’ number nine.
“Taiwo [Awoniyi] is a player we have to manage with his injury because it’s an ongoing one and it will be for a little while.
“It’s frustrating for him more than anybody else because he was doing really well and it’s really holding him back.
“It’s not been as simple as he’s fully fit and he’s back training, it’s something and a process we’re going to manage for a little bit of time now.
“We’ll see if he’s available for the weekend, we hope he is but it could go either way.”
Forest short on numbers
With no return date set for Divock Origi and Chris Wood still out with a hamstring issue, Cooper could well find himself without a recognised centre forward on Sunday.
Winger Anthony Elanga started in a central role against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool last weekend, with it clear to see he was playing in an unnatural role.
Forest fans and Cooper will be hoping for a positive outcome for Awoniyi, with the 26-year-old undoubtedly being one of the Reds’ best performers so far this campaign.
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