Nottingham Forest’s push for Champions League qualification has suffered a significant setback with manager Nuno Espírito Santo confirming star striker Taiwo Awoniyi will face a spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. The Nigerian international sustained the problem during Forest’s impressive 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the City Ground, forcing him to miss Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa—and potentially several more crucial fixtures in the season’s decisive run-in.
The timing could hardly be worse for Forest, who currently sit third in the Premier League table but now face the prospect of navigating their Champions League chase without their most dynamic forward. Awoniyi’s absence compounds an already concerning injury crisis up front, with backup striker Chris Wood also sidelined by a hip injury picked up on international duty.
The Extent of the Damage
Speaking after the Villa Park defeat, Espírito Santo offered little clarity on Awoniyi’s recovery timeline, admitting the situation remains fluid. “I don’t know [when he’ll be back]. It’s going to be day to day,” the Portuguese manager told reporters. “He felt something in his hamstring, and we must assess it carefully.”
Hamstring injuries can vary wildly in severity, ranging from minor strains that heal within weeks to more serious tears requiring months of rehabilitation. Given Forest’s cautious approach—and the high stakes of their season—the medical team is unlikely to rush Awoniyi back prematurely. However, with just nine games remaining in the league campaign, even a three-week absence could prove costly.
Why Awoniyi’s Absence Hurts So Much
Since arriving from Union Berlin in 2022, Awoniyi has evolved into Forest’s most reliable goal threat. His combination of physicality, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing has made him indispensable, particularly in big games. This season, the 26-year-old has netted 11 league goals—including winners against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United—proving himself as the team’s clutch performer.
Beyond the numbers, Awoniyi’s work rate and ability to stretch defenses create space for teammates like Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga. Without him, Forest looked noticeably less threatening against Villa, struggling to hold the ball up or exploit transitions effectively.
The Backup Plan (Or Lack Thereof)
Espírito Santo’s options are worryingly thin. Wood’s injury leaves 21-year-old academy product Detlef Esapa-Osong as the only recognized striker in the squad, though he has just 23 Premier League minutes to his name. The manager could opt for a false nine system, deploying Gibbs-White or Callum Hudson-Odoi centrally, but neither offers the same aerial presence or penalty-box instincts as Awoniyi.
January signing Rodrigo Ribeiro might have eased the burden, but the Portuguese teenager is currently sidelined with an ankle issue. This leaves Forest dangerously reliant on midfielders and wingers to compensate for the lack of a focal point—a risky proposition against the league’s better-organized defenses.
Top-Four Race Hangs in the Balance
Despite the Villa defeat, Forest remain well-positioned in third place, two points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham. However, the coming fixtures—including clashes with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Brighton—will test their resilience. With Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Manchester United all within striking distance, Awoniyi’s absence could prove the difference between Champions League football and another season in the Europa League.
Historical precedents aren’t encouraging. Last season, Arsenal’s title challenge unraveled after losing William Saliba to injury, exposing their lack of depth. Forest now face a similar test: can their squad, brilliantly assembled but not excessively deep, withstand the loss of their talisman?
Silver Linings?
If there’s a positive, it’s that Forest’s fate remains in their hands. They also boast one of the league’s most creative midfields, with Gibbs-White, Ibrahim Sangaré, and Nicolás Domínguez capable of unlocking defenses even without a traditional striker. The return of Awoniyi’s compatriot, Emmanuel Dennis, from loan could provide another option, though his match fitness is questionable.
Espírito Santo, ever the pragmatist, will likely adapt his tactics to mitigate the loss. More minutes for Elanga and Hudson-Odoi in advanced roles, greater emphasis on set pieces, and a compact defensive shape could help Forest grind out results until their key men return.
Forest host Fulham next weekend in what now looms as a must-win game. With Awoniyi almost certainly sidelined, the spotlight will fall on Gibbs-White and Elanga to provide the attacking spark. Beyond that, the club’s medical staff will work overtime to accelerate Awoniyi’s recovery—but not at the risk of a relapse.
For a team that has defied expectations all season, this is their toughest challenge yet. If they can navigate it successfully, a place among Europe’s elite awaits. If not, Awoniyi’s injury may be remembered as the moment their dream slipped away.
