Super Hawks and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi were taken to the hospital for emergency surgery after a 2-2 draw in Leicester.
Awoniyi, 27, collided with the post in the last few minutes of the City Ground on Sunday and decided to compete after receiving several minutes of treatment.
The full extent of the injury was only discovered by club medical staff on Monday, and Nigeria International was hospitalized for emergency procedures.
Awoniyi stretched to intercept Anthony Elanga’s cross and felt noticeable discomfort after sliding into the foot of the post, an incident that angered forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno Espirito Santo.
Awoniyi takes about three minutes of treatment, but it cannot be replaced after the forest used its last available window to replace Elliot Anderson with Jota Silva.
“It disappoints everyone,” Nuno said.
“Unfortunately, we had to play with a man for the last 10 minutes less.
Taiwo gave it a try, but it was so painful that he really pushed and helped the team. There is a misunderstanding between the coaching staff and the medical department.
“We looked up and made a submarine, and Tavo tried it, but he couldn’t [run fully].
‘[We feel] Surely disappointing and frustrating. But it is precisely because of the owner and his passion that we are becoming clubs. He pushes us.
“He wants us to be better. Being a big club is his passion and desire.
Today, 30,000 people feel the same. To be sure, many of them would go on the court and shake us. We are the club and we owe it to the Marinakis family.
Marinakis agreed, adding: “Today is a day of celebration because 30 years later, Nottingham Forest can now compete on the European stage again – and I made that commitment to supporters when we got promotions!”
“Everyone – the coaching staff, the players, the supporters and people including me – we were frustrated by Taiwan’s injuries and the misjudgment of Taiwan’s ability to continue playing. It was natural.
“This is a demonstration of our passion for the club.
“Let us all be grateful, passionate and keep dreaming!”
