Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone “urgent” surgery after suffering a serious abdominal injury during last weekend’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City.

The 27-year-old Nigeria international sustained the injury in the 88th minute after colliding with the post while trying to connect with an Anthony Elanga cross under pressure from Leicester’s Facundo Buonanotte.

“The club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City,” said a Forest statement.

“Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo.

“The club will provide further updates when appropriate.”

Awoniyi, who signed with Nottingham Forest from Union Berlin in June 2022, had only spent five minutes on the field after replacing Ibrahim Sangare late in the match. Although he attempted to continue playing after receiving extended treatment, the severity of his injury was only confirmed by medical staff the following Monday.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis pointed to the handling of Awoniyi’s injury during the match as the reason he confronted head coach Nuno Espirito Santo after the full-time whistle.

As Forest pushed for a late goal in their pursuit of Champions League qualification, Awoniyi re-entered the game despite struggling to move freely. Marinakis expressed his dissatisfaction that a substitution was not made.

“Everybody — coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself — we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game,” said Marinakis in an Instagram post issued later Sunday.

“This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club.”

The 2-2 draw with Leicester, who have already been relegated from the Premier League, ended Forest’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot on their own terms. However, it did guarantee them a top-seven finish, ensuring European football next season.

To qualify for the Champions League, Forest must win their final two league matches, including a season-ending clash with Chelsea. But even with those victories, they may still miss out on a Champions League place unless at least one of Aston Villa, Manchester City, or Newcastle drop points in their remaining fixtures.