Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has confirmed that Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi is available for selection ahead of their Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur, Trybal News reports.
Awoniyi missed three matches following his sending-off against Brighton on September 13, when referee Tony Harrington dismissed him for violent conduct after he struck defender Maxim De Cuyper in the face with his elbow during an aerial challenge.
The Super Eagles forward subsequently missed fixtures against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest while serving his suspension.
Speaking to the media, Lampard welcomed Awoniyi’s return, highlighting the importance of competition among his attacking options.
Taiwo has missed his three games; he’s back in. We bought him for a reason. I think he was doing pretty well before the red card and missing the games,” Lampard said.
The Coventry boss also stressed the need for strikers who can contribute to the overall play while delivering goals, adding that competition within the squad is essential to success in the Premier League.
However, Awoniyi’s return presents Lampard with a selection dilemma after Sidiki Cherif impressed against Newcastle United last weekend.
Coventry have recorded consecutive Premier League victories during Awoniyi’s absence, having lost their opening four matches of the campaign. Lampard must now decide whether to restore the Nigerian international to the starting lineup or retain Cherif following his recent performance.
Coventry will travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looking to extend their winning run, with Awoniyi available to strengthen their attacking options.
