‘Really unfortunate,’ says Steve Cooper of a key Nottingham Forest player’s injury.
Steve Cooper has stated that Taiwo Awoniyi, who suffered a groin strain against Brentford last week, could be out for up to a month.
With no evidence of injury, the 26-year-old was replaced by Chris Wood in the 81st minute.
However, he was left out of the matchday squad against Crystal Palace last night, with manager Cooper revealing that he picked up the problem during last weekend’s 1-1 draw.
Awoniyi was called up to the Nigerian national team this week, along with fellow Red Ola Aina, but his injury will definitely keep him out of their games during the break.
Steve Cooper comments on Awoniyi’s injuries
Cooper acknowledged the injury to BBC Radio Nottingham following the stalemate, but believes the striker will return even stronger.
“Against Brentford, he strained his groin.” It’s a shame for him because he’s had a great start to the season.
“What I would say is that he had a serious injury last season that sidelined him for three months, and the way he committed to that allowed him to come back stronger.”
“When he picked the injury up against Southampton, he was in good form – which shows with the right attitude and recovery he will do the exact same again.”
Time for others to step up
The setback to Awoniyi allows Wood and Divock Origi to acquire vital first-team minutes, proving to Cooper that they deserve a starting berth.
We now have a two-week international break, but if Awoniyi is out for the entire month, as Cooper suggests, one of the two will start at home against Luton Town on October 21st.
