Taiwo Awoniyi Injury Update: Nuno Espírito Santo Hopeful Ahead of Everton Clash

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has expressed cautious optimism over the possible return of Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi ahead of the club’s crucial Premier League encounter against Everton this weekend.

Awoniyi has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Forest’s recent clash with Manchester United, which ruled him out of last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa.

Addressing the media in a press conference, Nuno stated:

“They (Awoniyi, Chris Wood, and Anthony Elanga) are struggling with problems — some small, some not so small — but we have to assess them. We have one more day and then we will see if they can be available for the game.”

While no guarantees were made, Nuno added that the staff remain hopeful about at least one or more players from the injured trio being fit in time for the Goodison Park showdown.

✍️ Opinion: Awoniyi’s Return Could Be Forest’s Missing Spark

In a match with relegation implications, the return of Taiwo Awoniyi could provide a much-needed boost to Forest’s attack. His strength, pressing, and eye for goal have been sorely missed, especially with fellow forwards Chris Wood and Anthony Elanga also facing fitness issues.

Awoniyi has proven time and again to be a difference-maker in tight matches, and his presence could relieve pressure from Forest’s midfield while giving the Toffees' backline plenty to worry about.

But while the hope is alive, fitness should not be rushed. A premature return could aggravate the injury and spell longer-term trouble — something Forest cannot afford as the season reaches its critical end.

All eyes will now be on the team news as the match approaches. For Forest fans, seeing #TaiwoIsBack trending might just be the morale boost they need.

🔴 Will Awoniyi be the game-changer this weekend, or will Forest have to dig deep without him?