Exeter2 - 2Nott'm Forest

The Portuguese went into Tuesday's FA Cup fourth round tie at Exeter City with a heavily-rotated team courtesy of their exploits in the Premier League.

Forest were made to dig deep against the League One outfit at St James Park, conceding an early goal and being taken to extra time before prevailing in a penalty shootout.

However, Forest were dealt two injury blows during the match, most notably when Awoniyi was stretchered off after a collision inside the penalty area that subsequently led to a lengthy delay.

Earlier in the game, Miguel had been withdrawn with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, leaving Nuno with a further-reduced squad on the back of James Ward-Prowse returning to West Ham United after his loan stint.

What has Nuno said on Awoniyi, Miguel?

After the game, which finished past 11pm (GMT), Nuno revealed that Awoniyi - who scored Forest's second goal - had suffered a concussion and a broken nose.

As quoted by the Nottingham Post, Nuno said: "It was a concussion and I think he broke his nose.

"He is in a lot of pain but has a smile on his face because he did an amazing job and scored for us, which we were delighted about. He has already been checked and is OK to travel (back)."

On Miguel, he added: "We have to assess him now. I think it is a hamstring and he did it on a goal kick. Let's assess him and hope we are not without him for too much time."

How will Forest cope in short term?

Between February 15 and the weekend of March 1/2, Forest face a run of four matches in all competitions, playing Fulham, Newcastle United, Arsenal and Ipswich Town (FA Cup).

Awoniyi has endured a frustrating campaign from an individual perspective, accumulating just 248 minutes of Premier League football spread over two starts and 17 substitute outings.

Nevertheless, that has allowed Nuno to rest leading marksman Chris Wood at the end of fixtures, something which will now need to be reassessed with Forest now without a recognised senior striker.

Goalkeeper Miguel had been made just his third Forest start - all in cup competitions - and 38-year-old Wayne Hennessey will now presumably step up to the substitutes' bench after returning to the club as a free agent.

Written by

Darren Plant