Nottingham Forest is banking on Taiwo Awoniyi’s fitness to down Aston Villa

English Premier League side Nottingham Forest is banking on the fitness of Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi as they play in-form Aston Villa this weekend.

Awoniyi was substituted with a knock against West Ham United but could be fit to face Aston Villa on Saturday

The Forest striker scored his sixth goal of the season against West Ham United last weekend. It was Awoniyi’s second goal since returning to action four games ago after recovering from groin surgery.

Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has admitted that Awoniyi’s return has been slightly fast-tracked by an injury to striker Chris Wood, leaving the Reds light of forward options. Concerns were raised when Awoniyi was substituted in the 67th minute after appearing to pick up a knock against the Hammers.

Awoniyi was asked about his fitness after coming off against West Ham. The striker insisted he felt better after undergoing the surgery and that the change was merely part of a plan to manage his minutes.