Reds to leave it late on Awoniyi fitness decision
STRIKER BACK IN TRAINING AFTER INJURY, BUT WILL ONLY MAKE BRAMALL LANE TRIP ‘IF HE FEELS OK’
NOTTINGHAM Forest will make a late fitness call on Taiwo Awoniyi to see if the striker is available for this afternoon’s crunch clash with Sheffield United.
Awoniyi has been sidelined since March with a thigh problem. He had already missed a chunk of the campaign after having groin surgery in a bid to solve a longstanding problem.
The Reds have always been hopeful the forward would be able to play a part in the run-in. And head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has said there is a possibility he could be involved at Bramall Lane.
“He was out, he joined the team today, he had good feelings,” Nuno said. “We still have to wait for tomorrow to see how he goes, and if he feels OK – like he felt today – I think he can help.
“He has experience, he’s a goal scorer. We are aware that he’s not at his top level, but he can definitely be a helpful player for us.”
Forest have also been boosted by the news centre-backs Willy Boly and Murillo will be fit to face the Blades. The duo had been injury doubts after being forced off in last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.
However, there remains a question mark over full-back Neco Williams’ availability. The Welshman was substituted with little more than half an hour played at the City Ground and has not been involved in the training group this week.
“Willy has recovered. He is OK,” Nuno said.
“Neco is still to join the grip, him and T. Let’s wait tomorrow and assess them properly.
“T, he was out all week, he started today with the group. Let’s see if he’s feeling positive, I think he can help us. Murillo, he’s OK.”