Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has expressed his disappointment that Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to former club Nottingham Forest through suspension.

Awoniyi was ruled out of the encounter at the City Ground after receiving a straight red card during Coventry’s 5-0 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

The 29-year-old was dismissed early in the second half for violent conduct after making contact with Brighton defender Maxim De Cuyper during an aerial challenge, with the referee’s decision subsequently upheld following a VAR review. 

The suspension has also kept Awoniyi out of Coventry’s Carabao Cup meeting with Aston Villa, while he will miss the Premier League fixture against Newcastle United after the international break.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Lampard admitted that the suspension was unfortunate for both Coventry and the Nigerian striker, particularly because of his strong connection with Nottingham Forest.

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

Awoniyi spent four years at Nottingham Forest before completing his move to Coventry during the summer transfer window, making Saturday’s fixture a potentially significant reunion for the former Forest striker.

Lampard revealed that Awoniyi had been gradually improving his fitness since joining Coventry late in the summer, having missed the club’s pre-season programme.

“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.” 

The Coventry manager believes the suspension has interrupted the Nigerian’s progress at a time when he was beginning to regain his physical sharpness and adapt to his new surroundings.

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

Lampard also acknowledged the personal significance of Awoniyi returning to the City Ground, where the Nigerian remains highly regarded after his four-year spell with Forest.

“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 one goal and one assist since joining Coventry and has started four of the five matches for which he has been available, underlining his importance to Lampard’s attack. 

His absence comes at a difficult period for Coventry, who have lost their opening four Premier League matches without scoring and remain without a point since returning to the top flight. 

While Awoniyi will have to watch from the sidelines, Coventry will travel to Nottingham Forest seeking their first Premier League goal and points of the season, with Lampard hoping his side can respond positively to their difficult start.