Nottingham Forest get Awoniyi boost as Nuno Espírito Santo delivers positive fitness update 

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo has given a positive update on the fitness status of Taiwo Awoniyi ahead of their Premier League matchday 36 clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

The Super Eagles striker hasn't featured in the last seven Premier League games, with his last appearance being in the 1-0 loss to Brighton at the American Express Stadium last month.

Awoniyi has been battling with injury all season and that hasn't only affected his game time with Forest but also with the Super Eagles having missed the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to his fitness.

The 26-year-old has started just 13 games across all competitions for Forest this season and has completed the entire duration of a game once, which he did in a Premier League League fixture against Bournemouth in February.

Being one of Nottingham Forest's best players, the club has been largely affected by his consistent unavailability and that is on the verge of costing their place in the English topmost division.

They sit just one point adrift of the drop zone with six points garnered from 35 games and have scored six goals less than Luton Town who occupy the first relegation spot.

Speaking on Awoniyi's fitness in his pre-match conference ahead of their clash with the already relegated Sheffield United, Santo confirmed that the Nigerian striker might play a part against Sheffield United as he has resumed group training. 

"He was out all week. He started today with the group so let's see if he has this positive feeling. I think he can help us," Nuno Espírito Santo told reporters.

"He joined the team today, he had good feelings, we still have to wait for tomorrow to see how it goes. And if he feels okay like he felt today, I think he can help definitely with his experience, he's a goalscorer.

"We are aware and we know that he's not in his top level but definitely a helpful player for us in these final moments."

The 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup winner has scored six goals and has provided three assists across all competitions in this campaign.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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