Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest head coach, and Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest celebrate victory during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brighton and Hove Albion [Photo credit/Imago]

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has expressed optimism about Taiwo Awoniyis return after the Nigerian forward missed his sides 2-1 defeat against Fulham, Soccernet.ng reports.

Awoniyi was absent from the matchday squad as Forest fell short at Craven Cottage, where their English Premier League title race got dented with a loss to Marco Silva’s men.

Fulham beat third-place Nottingham Forest! #FULNFO pic.twitter.com/8izwmNG5tQ

” Premier League (@premierleague) February 15, 2025

Meanwhile, the Tricky Trees were without their key player, whose exciting night in Forest’s last game against Exeter ended prematurely after suffering a broken nose in a collision with Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.

This led to the Nigerian missing their game against Fulham, and a possible use of a mask in his next few games, just like his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, known for wearing a mask.

READ MORE: Taiwo Awoniyi set to become the next Osimhen following nose injury

Espirito Santo, speaking after the game, confirmed that the club had not received clearance from the Premier League for the striker to participate.

We didnt have the clearance from the Premier League about the concussion protocols, so he was not able to go in the squad, Nuno explained, as quoted by Nottinghampost. I hope he will be OK for the next one.