Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery following urgent abdominal surgery, according to reports on Tuesday.

The Nigeria international was rushed to the hospital for the procedure on Monday after sustaining a severe injury during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Leicester in the Premier League.

There are no indications that the 27-year-old’s condition is life-threatening, and it is believed that the induced coma will help limit his movement and stabilize his heart rate.

Awoniyi was injured after colliding with a post while attempting to score in the final moments of the match against Leicester.

Awoniyi received several minutes of treatment before being allowed to continue playing.

Despite visibly showing signs of discomfort, he remained on the pitch as Forest, in pursuit of Champions League qualification, had already used all their substitutions.

The full extent of Awoniyi’s injury was revealed on Monday by the club's medical team, leading to his immediate hospitalization for surgery.

On Tuesday afternoon, Forest reported that Awoniyi was "recovering well."

However, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was reportedly involved in a tense exchange with manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the City Ground pitch right after Sunday’s match.

Following criticism of the Greek owner’s actions, Forest clarified on Tuesday that the incident stemmed from Marinakis' frustration over Awoniyi continuing to play despite having sustained the injury. 

“At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner,” the club said in a statement.

“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.”