Frank Lampard admits Taiwo Awoniyi absence is ‘a shame’ ahead of Nottingham Forest reunion

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has admitted it is “a shame” that Taiwo Awoniyi will miss his return to Nottingham Forest after the Nigeria international was suspended for the Sky Blues’ Premier League clash at the City Ground.

Awoniyi is unavailable for Coventry’s meeting with Forest on Saturday after the Premier League confirmed that he will serve a two-match suspension covering Gameweeks 5 and 6.

The 29-year-old was sent off during Coventry’s defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, ruling him out of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup encounter with Aston Villa and the upcoming league fixtures against Forest and Newcastle United.

His absence is particularly significant given his strong ties to Forest, where he spent four years before leaving the club during the summer transfer window.

Lampard disappointed for Awoniyi

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Lampard acknowledged that the suspension is frustrating for both Coventry and Awoniyi, who would have been expected to feature against his former employers.

“It’s not ideal for us. It’s not ideal for him, disappointing on that front,” Lampard said.

Awoniyi joined Coventry late in the summer and has been gradually building his fitness after missing the club’s pre-season programme.

Despite arriving without the benefit of a full pre-season, he has quickly become an important option in Lampard’s attack, starting four of the five matches in which he has been available for selection.

Lampard believes the striker had begun to make progress physically before the suspension interrupted his momentum.

“Taiwo has come in and played for us while he was still searching for real match fitness because of the protracted transfer. He came in quite late and hasn’t played pre-season games,” he added.

“He was getting better and will get better. Now he has to train and get fit.”

Awoniyi denied emotional Forest return

Awoniyi’s absence also denies him the opportunity to face the club where he established himself as a Premier League striker and became a popular figure among Forest supporters.

The Nigeria international joined Forest in 2022 and spent four seasons with the club before making the move to Coventry this summer.

His familiarity with the City Ground and connection with the Forest fanbase would have made Saturday’s fixture a significant occasion for the forward.

Lampard acknowledged the personal dimension of the missed reunion while stressing Awoniyi’s importance to Coventry.

“It’s a shame that he’s not going back to Forest, where he is obviously held in high regard personally, and also he’s an important player for us.”

Awoniyi has made an encouraging start to life at Coventry despite his limited preparation, registering one goal and one assist since completing his summer move.

He will now have to use the suspension period to work on his fitness before returning to contention, with Newcastle United also set to miss out on facing the forward as he completes his two-match ban.