Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was awoken from an induced coma on Wednesday after he underwent emergency abdominal surgery.
The Nigerian was injured after colliding with the goalpost in Sunday’s 2-2 draw to Leicester and received a lengthy treatment on the pitch before attempting to play on, with Forest out of substitutions. He later signalled he could not continue and withdrew, before being hospitalised the following day when the extent of the injury became clear.
He is expected to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery on a serious abdominal injury.
Awoniyi underwent the procedure in two stages, the first taking place on Monday and the other on Wednesday. He was placed in an induced coma between the procedures to aid his recovery and regulate his heart rate.
Following the Leicester match, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was seen remonstrating with manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the City Ground pitch, upset that Awoniyi was allowed to continue.
A statement later released by Nottingham Forest defended his actions: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday's match against Leicester City.
"To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn't just a football 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 that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday.
"His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own.
"In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence.
"In the final 10 minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines.
"His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain - something no one with genuine care could ignore - triggered him to go onto the pitch.
"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."
Awoniyi, 27, signed to Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in 2022, scoring 17 goals in 72 league appearances.
