Chris Wood: Troublesome Nottingham Forest update emerges

Oliver Glasner will likely be pushing for a new striker at Nottingham Forest despite Chris Wood's return to first-team action.

Despite an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign, the 34-year-old was a standout for New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup over in North America.

While he failed to hit the back of the net, his two assists against Iran summarised just how important he can be in the final third on the biggest stages.

Although Glasner will have both Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo at his disposal, Wood should be one of Forest's go-to players next term.

Supporters have not forgotten his 20-goal campaign in 2024-25, and while he rarely featured last season, he still notched five goals in 20 appearances.

These are all positives of having the former Newcastle United man at the City Ground, but huge concerns emerge around his level of fitness.

Chris Wood's injury problems have not simply disappeared

In a deep-dive from the Athletic (28 July), it was explained that Forest continue to rate their natural No.9, seeing him as a key figure this summer.

However, with the centre-forward turning 35 in December, there is an "understanding" that he will carry his knee problem until the end of his career.

With the Reds trying to climb the table under Glasner, and potentially return to Europe, this is far from ideal when talking about the club's first-choice striker.

Jesus has stepped up in a big way during pre-season, though, scoring three goals in three games, while Taiwo Awoniyi is still being viewed as an important member of the squad.

Wood is still under contract until June 2027, so there are clearly no plans to replace him, but the thought of an injury always being in the back of his mind is a troublesome idea.

Could Oliver Glasner sign Jean-Philippe Mateta?

While there are no immediate plans to replace Wood, Glasner's former striker Jean-Philippe Mateta would be a suitable replacement.

Despite also suffering from injuries last season, the Crystal Palace man finished the season on 16 goals in 50 appearances at Selhurst Park.

Mick Brown told Football Insider that Forest are ready to submit an offer for the Frenchman, but will only move if there is belief a deal can be struck.

The 29-year-old is likely to be a free agent next summer, but he will be another year older, so that will need to be taken into account by the Reds.