Nottingham Forest have a host of players away on international duty and for Chris Wood, it’s proved a bittersweet time with New Zealand.
The All Whites have qualified for the World Cup in 2026 with a comfortable victory over New Caledonia.
Wood had fired New Zealand into the qualifying final with a hat-trick against Fiji last week and was once again spearheading the attack for this one.
The 33-year-old has bagged 18 Premier League goals this season to go alongside the 14 that he managed last season as Forest narrowly avoided relegation.
Now, something has happened that might leave Forest fans sweating ahead of club football returning to action at the weekend.
Photo by DAVID ROWLAND/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by DAVID ROWLAND/AFP via Getty Images
Chris Wood leaves New Zealand clash with injury
After taking a shot at goal in the 49th minute, Wood seemed to get a knock on his hip and also landed awkwardly.
He tried to continue but in the 54th minute, the Forest man was withdrawn and he headed off the field to receive further treatment.
The fact he ran off the field – albeit with a limp – is at least something positive for Forest to cling onto.
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Wood will be desperate not to miss any games for Forest over the next couple of months with plenty at stake in the FA Cup and the Premier League.
However, the fact he’s gone off in the first place is very unusual for Wood who has largely done well across his career with niggling injuries.
Chris Wood stats 2024/25
It’s already been a season to remember for the striker and his goals have seen Forest avoid relegation at a canter and push for Champions League qualification.
The Reds are blessed to have a striker in such prolific form and one who cost just £15 million.
Chris Wood Premier League stats 2024/25 Total
Appearances 29
Goals 18
Aerials Won 78
Shots 53
Who Scored Rating 7.05
Wood will hope to get some treatment for this injury pretty quickly, rest up and be ready to take a place in the Forest squad on Saturday at Brighton.
It’s always a risk with international football taking place at such a pivotal time of the campaign and it’s disappointing that Wood has got injured against such inferior opposition too.