Taiwo Awoniyi has played a crucial role in Nottingham Forest’s recent successes, particularly with his standout performances during the final stretch of the 2022-23 season.

His six goals in the last four matches helped Forest secure Premier League survival, and without those goals, the club might have been facing an immediate return to the Championship. His return from a prolonged groin injury was pivotal, showing his resilience and determination to contribute despite the setbacks.

However, Awoniyi’s recent injury woes have left a noticeable gap in Forest’s attack. His hamstring injury, sustained during the win over Manchester United, has left the club without one of their primary forwards, compounding the absence of Chris Wood due to his own injury. This has highlighted the need for Forest to strengthen their forward options in the summer transfer window.

The 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on April 5 showed the limitations of Forest’s current attacking options in the absence of their top scorers. Although the team created plenty of chances in the second half, they lacked the clinical edge to capitalize on those opportunities, a gap that Wood and Awoniyi might have filled. The lack of a consistent forward option showed how important it is for Forest to add a third striker to their squad, especially if they are to push for European football next season.

Manager Nuno Espírito Santo pointed out the difficulty in playing without both Wood and Awoniyi, as the team relies heavily on having a “reference point” in attack. The lack of a clear striker led to makeshift forward setups and an inability to convert chances, which could have been different with a fully fit striker like Wood or Awoniyi.

With Forest’s push for a top European spot still alive, they are likely to be active in the summer transfer market. The club made an attempt to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford in January, but that move fell through due to the high asking price. As Forest aims to secure European qualification, bolstering their attack will be key to ensuring they can handle the additional fixtures and maintain their form.

Awoniyi’s contributions over the past season and a half cannot be understated, and while some fans may have been quick to criticize him following his injury setback, his role in Forest’s survival and success this season has been invaluable. It will be crucial for the club to support him in his recovery and to secure the necessary depth in attack to remain competitive.