Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery for a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

The 27-year-old underwent surgery on Monday evening. Although his condition is not believed to be life-threatening, club sources say it could have become so had it not been treated promptly.

Medical staff placed Awoniyi in a medically induced coma to limit movement and regulate his heart rate, aiding the recovery process. Additional treatment was scheduled for Tuesday.

The injury occurred late in Sunday’s match when Awoniyi collided with the post following a passage of play that continued despite Anthony Elanga being clearly offside in the build-up. Awoniyi remained on the pitch after receiving treatment but continued playing, raising further questions about current Premier League regulations that allow play to continue during potential goalscoring scenarios—even if a player is visibly offside.

The incident has reignited debate around player safety and the application of the offside law in active play situations.

Following the match, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis appeared on the pitch and was seen in conversation with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The club later clarified that this was not a confrontation, but a reflection of the owner's deep concern over the medical team's decision to allow Awoniyi to carry on playing.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Forest said:

“The seriousness of Awoniyi’s 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.

“This principle is not just policy for us—it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Mr Marinakis, this isn’t just a club—it’s family—and he instils that message in all of us.

“That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation. His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own.

“He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.

“In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence.

“When he saw our player clearly in discomfort, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines.

“It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur.

“There was no confrontation with Nuno or others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium. There was only shared frustration among us all that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”

The club also addressed speculation and criticism circulating online:

“In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, as well as other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and propagate fake news online, especially when lacking full context and facts.

“Baseless and ill-informed outrage, driven by personal gain on social media, serves no one—least of all the injured player. 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.”

Awoniyi’s condition continues to be monitored, with the entire Forest community and the wider footballing world wishing him a full and swift recovery.