Nottingham Forest has confirmed that striker Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well after undergoing emergency surgery for a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s Premier League match against Leicester City.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, the club described the injury as a stark reminder of the physical demands of elite football and reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the health and safety of its players.

“The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first,” the statement said.

The club also addressed reports of tension during the incident, clarifying that there was no confrontation between head coach Nuno Espírito Santo and club owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The club instead pointed to a shared frustration that medical staff had permitted the visibly distressed player to continue.

Marinakis’ pitchside reaction in the final minutes of the match was described as “instinctive” and “a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him.”

Forest defended the owner's intervention as a demonstration of leadership and deep emotional investment in the team.

The club further urged public figures and commentators to avoid rushing to judgment and to prioritise player welfare over media speculation and social media narratives.

“We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary,” the statement urged.

Awoniyi, a key member of the Forest squad, is now in recovery, with the club providing full support during his rehabilitation. No official timeline has been provided for his return to action.