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

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.

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.

Player Appearances Starts Goals Assists Games Missed

Chris Wood 32 28 18 3 0

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.