According to reports, Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has been brought out of his induced coma.
The 27-year-old striker required surgery for an abdominal injury sustained during the match against Leicester on Sunday.
Awoniyi needed immediate medical care after colliding with the goalpost during the 2-2 draw.
After the initial emergency surgery on Monday, the Nigerian international was placed in an induced coma.
Awoniyi later had the second part of his operation today and is now out of the coma, reportedly “recovering well.”
Nottingham Forest Football Club plans to initiate an internal investigation into how their medical staff managed Awoniyi`s injury.
The forward received extensive treatment on the field after the incident but was permitted to continue the match afterwards.
Awoniyi was eventually substituted, with subsequent evaluations concluding that he required surgery.
It is reported that Forest chairman Evangelos Marinakis is angered by how Awoniyi`s injury was handled.
The club`s owner is expected to question experienced club doctor Dr Prithish Shyam Narayan, alongside other club medical staff and coaches.
After the final whistle on Sunday, Marinakis went onto the pitch and spoke with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
A subsequent statement from Nottingham Forest highlighted the seriousness of Taiwo Awoniyi`s injury, serving as a strong reminder of the physical risks in football and the paramount importance of player health and well-being.
The statement emphasized that this principle is not merely club policy but a core belief of the owner, Evangelos Marinakis, who views the club as a family.
It explained that Marinakis` reaction stemmed from his personal and emotional connection to the situation, reflecting deep care and responsibility towards a member of the club family.
The club stated that he saw the event not just as an isolated incident but as something reflecting the team`s values and unity.
It added that in such moments, he demonstrates leadership through actions and presence, not just words.
The statement noted that seeing the player clearly in discomfort made it increasingly difficult for him to remain on the sidelines.
It concluded that his reaction was instinctive, human, reflecting his deep care for the team and its members, and that he would react similarly if such an event happened again.
The statement clarified there was no confrontation with Nuno or anyone else, only a shared frustration among everyone that the medical team should not have permitted the player to continue playing.
