Nuno Espírito Santo confirms Nottingham Forest injury blow ahead of Crystal Palace Premier League game

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has confirmed striker Taiwo Awoniyi will be sidelined for a while but hinted Chris Wood could be back for the game against Crystal Palace this weekend.

Awoniyi was key for their Premier League survival last season but he struggled for fitness this season, playing just 1029 minutes and scoring six goals. Forest need him for this crucial part of the campaign when they have had points deducted and sunk to 18th on the league table.

Speaking ahead of the game at the City Ground, manager Espirito Santo said when asked about the fitness of his striker: “He is doing treatment. It is a serious injury, unfortunately. It is a big blow for us because he had just come back (from injury). The importance of Taiwo is huge. He gives us another option.

“I don’t know exactly how long he will be out for but I am positive we are going to see him again this season. He will definitely miss these two games."

It's not all bad news though as the Portuguese manager hinted Chris Wood could be involved after an unspecified injury scare.

He added: "Chris Wood is very important for us. With the absence of Taiwo, he’s even more important. But he is always very important because of his quality and the way he links our game. We need Chris to be there and score and play. He’s a huge, important player for us.

“We have some issues but we still have a day to assess all the players and then decide.

“The international players have returned, some of them OK and some of them with problems. That is normal.”

Nottingham Forest have never lost a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, winning three and drawing four of their seven previous meetings.