Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma during the first phase of surgery following an abdominal injury.
The 27-year-old, who plays for Nottingham Forest, collided with the goalpost on Sunday during the 2-2 draw against Leicester while trying to reach a cross from Anthony Elanga.
He underwent surgery the following day, and the procedure is still ongoing. The full operation is expected to be completed on Wednesday.
Nottingham Forest released a statement saying the surgery went well and that the player is currently recovering.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stepped onto the pitch after the match to express his concerns to manager Nuno Espirito Santo regarding Awoniyi’s injury.
Marinakis is being kept regularly informed about the player’s condition.
The striker was in an offside position when he received the ball, but the assistant referee only raised the flag after Taiwo Awoniyi’s collision with the goalpost.
According to VAR protocols, referees are now instructed to delay offside calls until the attacking phase is over. If a goal is scored, the situation can then be reviewed by VAR.
While this approach allows for goals to be scored, critics argue that the protocol unnecessarily endangers players.