Nottingham Forest get injury boost with Chris Wood’s return

Striker Chris Wood is set to return to the Nottingham Forest squad after a six-month injury absence, travelling with the team to Porto for their Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday. 

The 34-year-old has been sidelined since October and underwent knee surgery in December, but is now back in contention.

Wood’s return comes as a timely boost for Forest, who are balancing European ambitions with a tense Premier League survival battle. 

Manager Vitor Pereira confirmed the striker has resumed training and will be available, though his minutes may be managed carefully following his lengthy lay-off.

The New Zealand international enjoyed a standout campaign last season, scoring 20 goals as Forest finished seventh in the league. 

However, injuries have disrupted his current season, limiting him to just four goals in 13 appearances, with his only league strikes coming on the opening day against Brentford.

Forest’s reliance on Wood has been evident in their attacking output. Last season, he contributed nearly 35% of the team’s league goals, but the side’s scoring rate has dropped significantly this term, averaging just one goal per game. 

His presence has also correlated with stronger results, with a higher win percentage and points-per-game record when he starts.

During his recovery, Wood featured for Forest’s Under-21 side, including scoring in a 3-0 victory over Newcastle last month. 

His gradual return to match fitness has paved the way for his inclusion in the senior squad at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Forest now face a defining period, aiming to reach their first European semi-final in over four decades while also staying clear of relegation danger. 

Sitting just three points above the drop zone with seven league games remaining, Pereira emphasized the need to balance both competitions as the club fights to secure its future on multiple fronts.