Striker Chris Wood is poised to make his long-awaited return to the Nottingham Forest squad after a six-month spell on the sidelines. The 34-year-old, who has not featured since October, underwent knee surgery in December and has now rejoined the travelling group for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg in Porto.
Head coach Vitor Pereira confirmed that Wood has resumed training with the team and is available for selection, although his physical condition will need careful handling. The forward’s inclusion in the squad signals a significant boost ahead of an important European encounter.
Wood had been absent throughout managerial changes at the club, missing the latter period under Ange Postecoglou as well as the entirety of Sean Dyche’s 114-day tenure, before Pereira took charge in February. His gradual recovery included two appearances for the Under-21 side, where he also found the net in a comfortable win over Newcastle last month.
Pereira emphasized the striker’s experience and goal-scoring ability, noting that his readiness could be crucial during a demanding period for the team as they juggle multiple competitions.
Impact on Forest’s performance
Wood’s contribution last season highlighted his value to the squad, as he netted 20 times when Forest finished seventh in the Premier League. That tally represented a significant portion of the team’s attacking output, accounting for more than a third of their total goals.
In contrast, the current campaign has been disrupted by his injury, with the team managing just 31 goals in 31 league matches. Wood himself has only scored four times in 13 appearances, including two goals on the opening day before his absence.
Statistics underline his influence on results. Since joining in January 2023, Forest has recorded a noticeably stronger record when he starts. The team has achieved a higher win rate and collected more points per game with him in the lineup compared to matches he has missed.
These figures reinforce the importance of his return as the club looks to improve both its attacking output and overall consistency during the closing stages of the season.
Balancing Europe and survival fight
Forest face a crucial period as they aim to progress in Europe while also securing their Premier League status. The club is currently just three points above the relegation zone with seven matches remaining, making every fixture vital.
Pereira acknowledged the challenge of managing priorities between domestic and continental competitions. He stressed the need to approach each game with focus, beginning with the upcoming European tie before quickly shifting attention to a league clash against Aston Villa just days later.
The manager highlighted the importance of squad depth and maintaining player confidence, insisting that every member must feel capable of contributing during this demanding stretch. With Wood back in contention, Forest gains an experienced option at a time when both resilience and results are essential.