Nottingham Forest have been dealt a blow with the news striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been ruled out for “months” with a groin injury sustained on international duty.
Awoniyi, 26, has already undergone surgery with Forest boss Steve Cooper hoping he can return before the end of the season.
The Nigeria international is Forest’s leading goalscorer this term with four having netted 10 last season to help the club preserve their Premier League status.
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“It’s bad news on Taiwo, he’s had to have surgery and he is going to be out for months,” said Cooper.
“We’ll definitely see him again this season, but it’s groin surgery so it will take a little while.
“We’ll support him and try to get him back as quick and as fit as he can be, but it’s a really unfortunate situation and a blow for him.
“He’s become an important player for us with the goals he’s scored. He’s such a good guy and a good professional who is desperate to do well, so to get an injury like this is harsh on him.
“We’ve got to support him through the process of coming back stronger.”
Forest sit 14th in the table, eight points above the drop zone ahead of Saturday’s home game with Brighton.
