2M8153H Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper ahead of the Carabao Cup Quarter-Final match at the City Ground, Nottingham. Picture date: Wednesday January 11, 2023.
During the international break, Nottingham Forest’s injury situation hasn’t been the best.
Steve Cooper stated prior to Saturday’s matchup versus Brighton & Hove Albion that striker Taiwo Awoniyi would be sidelined for at least three months following groyne surgery. Additionally, Anthony Elanga, Danilo, and Murillo are doubtful to play against the Seagulls at City Ground, according to the Reds head coach.
For Forest, losing Awoniyi for an extended period of time is devastating. The front man’s groyne issue, which he aggravated while serving with Nigeria, had kept him out of action for a brief period of time.
Cooper stated, “Taiwo has bad news—he had to have surgery and will be out for months.” It’s a trying time for both of us and for him.
“We’ll be there for him and will work to help him recover as quickly and fit as possible. For him, it’s a truly bad situation.
It’s a blow for him, first of all. With the goals he has scored and the goals he will score for us, he has emerged as a key member of our team. However, he’s a wonderful man and a skilled athlete who is driven to succeed, so receiving an injury like this is unfair to him.
“We must assist him as he works to recover and become stronger. He’s already done that once at this place, and I have no doubt that he will give it his all once more. Considering how well he performed upon his return from injury last season, I’m sure that provided him with a solid baseline from which to work.
“He will most certainly return this season. However, since it’s groyne surgery, some time will pass.
After the Reds’ 3-2 loss to West Ham United, midfielder Danilo and defender Murillo sustained injuries, and winger Elanga withdrew from his Sweden international assignment. On the other hand, Callum Hudson-Odoi is getting better after suffering a hamstring strain.
Cooper clarified, “Anthony opted out of his international assignment.” He suffered a minor medial knee injury, according to a scan he had shortly after the West Ham game. He is back in the gym and making good progress.
Murillo was substituted off against West Ham due to a hamstring issue. The fact that it occurred just before the international break was a small blessing because it prevented him from being absent the following week. He had been playing well and is a young player we have enjoyed giving opportunities to, so it was a blow for him.
“Danilo also hobbled out of that game. His ankle got sprained.
“Callum is going to return to training shortly. He’s been doing his last phases of rehabilitation on the grass for a little while. I’m hoping he can make it in the upcoming weeks.
Although the news during the international break hasn’t been the best, we won’t dwell on it or look for reasons why it shouldn’t happen. While we assist the injured players, we will concentrate on the players who are available. Over the past few years, we have made it our mission to overcome obstacles; any misfortune has served as inspiration for us, and this will be just one more instance of that.
