Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo remains hopeful that Taiwo Awoniyi will be fit in time for the club’s next Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

Awoniyi was absent from Forest’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday due to injury. The Nigerian striker suffered a broken nose during the team’s Emirates FA Cup victory over Exeter City earlier in the week.

Santo explained that the club was unable to include Awoniyi in the squad against Fulham as they had not received clearance under the Premier League’s concussion protocols.

“We didn’t have the clearance from the Premier League about the concussion protocols, so he was not able to go in the squad,” Santo told Nottingham Post.

Despite the setback, the manager reassured fans that Awoniyi is in good condition and that his absence was purely precautionary.

“He is feeling fine, it is about making sure we follow the protocols. He was okay, but we have to respect the protocols.”

Forest will be hoping to have the striker back in action as they prepare for a crucial encounter against Newcastle United.