Taiwo Awoniyi's condition is 'positive', after he was in an induced coma following emergency surgery on an abdominal injury, his manager Nuno Espirito Santo has said.
The [Nottingham Forest](/news/central/topic/nottingham-forest) striker had two operations to repair serious internal damage after he crashed into a goalpost during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
The 27-year-old is now awake and talking with his family. Nuno said he will remain in hospital for at least five days under observation.
Nuno said: "He went to surgery, surgery went well, thank God. We are concerned but it is positive.
"It's been very difficult on us and on everybody, the concern of the injury that he had, the situation that he has been through, it's been hard on us.
"I'll try to visit him as soon as possible. He's in good hands and the family is there."
"We know that he is well, he just needs time.
"I hope that next week he can join us and be around because he's a wonderful boy, a wonderful boy, and this season has been so hard on him."
Awoniyi received several minutes of treatment during the game and then return to action, but was barely able to walk when he went back on the pitch.
Taiwo Awoniyi collides with a goalpost against Leicester City. Credit: PA
The situation was the source of owner Evangelos Marinakis’ frustration as the Greek businessman stormed on to the pitch to confront Nuno after the game.
Nuno said: "If we knew the seriousness of the injury \[I would have\] called the ambulance and take T to the hospital immediately.
"But none of us knew that. But we have to move forward now."
Forest's draw against their East Midlands rivals was a huge blow to their hopes of securing Champions League football next season, even if they did guarantee European football.
Even if they win their remaining two games, they need Aston Villa, Manchester City or Newcastle to drop points to make sure of a spot in Europe's top competition.
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