Chris Wood could face extended absence after incident away from Nottingham Forest
Injuries

Chris Wood could face extended absence after incident away from Nottingham Forest

Jonathan Burnett
Jonathan Burnett

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

Published on: 

Nottingham Forest could face a nervous wait over the fitness of Chris Wood as their star man returns from international duty.

Wood has spearheaded Forest's rise top the upper reaches of the Premier League table this season, and is the fourth-highest scorer in the division with 18 goals with Nuno Espirito Santo's side sitting third.

Forest remain firm contenders to secure a Champions League place at season's end, and with just nine games of the campaign remaining, Espirito Santo will be more reliant than ever on his star frontman.

Away from the City Ground, Wood has been the most well-travelled of the Reds' plethora of international players during this month's break, but he may now be set to return to Forest after a busy few days away.

Nottingham Forest
Wood has emerged as one of the Premier League's leading strikers this season

Chris Wood injured on New Zealand duty

Having started 28 of Forest's 29 league matches this term, there are few players more key to the system Espirito Santo adopts than Wood, thus any injury may force the Portuguese's hand in terms of selection.

PlayerAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsGames Missed
Chris Wood32281830
Wood is yet to miss a match for Forest this term

As shared by Premier Injuries owner Ben Dinnery on X, Wood did pick up a knock early in New Zealand's 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over New Caledonia on Monday, being substituted in the 54th minute.

It's yet to be confirmed if Wood will head back to Forest immediately - likely given New Zealand's World Cup place has now been sealed - he will have his hip issue "assessed" prior to the Reds' first game back.

Nottingham Forest will fear the worst after Wood injury update

While last season's run-in saw Forest steer clear of Premier League relegation despite a two-point deduction, the stakes are arguably higher this term with Champions League qualification on the line.

With a six-point cushion to fifth – which could well end up being given a Champions League place anyway – and 27 points still up for grabs, Espirito Santo's side are well-placed to get over the line.

However, if Wood's hip issues proves to be more than just a knock, his absence – even if just for a few matches – could have dire consequences on Forest's ability to keep the chasing pack at bay.

No less than seven teams are within 10 points of Forest going into their last nine league games, and with an FA Cup quarter-final next, it remains to be seen if they'll have a fit, firing Wood available for selection.

Chris Wood
www.footballinsider247.com