Former Newcastle United striker Chris Wood has been in fine form for Nottingham Forest this season.
Former Newcastle United striker Chris Wood has been in fine form for Nottingham Forest this season.
Newcastle United have been handed a major boost in the race for Champions League football after one of their rivals' key players picked up an injury on international duty.
Former Magpie Chris Wood was forced to leave the pitch due to injury during New Zealand's international match on Monday, with Nottingham Forest left sweating regarding his fitness. The 33-year-old, who has netted 18 goals this season for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, was grappling with a hip problem, potentially jeopardising Forest's Champions League aspirations.
The towering forward limped off the field of play during their World Cup 2026 qualifier against New Caledonia.
At the time of Wood's departure, the scoreline stood at 0-0 with neither side able to break the deadlock. Wood indicated he required substitution after experiencing discomfort in the 54th minute.
He had sustained a knock earlier in the match and attempted to shake it off, but it soon became evident that he would need to be replaced. As he made his way off the pitch, the Forest star attempted to jog briskly so his replacement could come onto the field but Wood grimaced as he struggled to walk without limping.
Eventually, Kostas Barbarouses took his place under the direction of head coach Darren Bazeley. The extent of the injury remains uncertain, but it could potentially be a significant setback for both club and country.
Wood has been in fine form for the All Whites, scoring nine goals in his last five appearances - including a hat-trick in the 7-0 rout of Fiji in their previous match. He also holds the record as his nation's top scorer, with 44 goals from 83 caps.
However, New Zealand managed to rally in his absence, seizing the lead a mere seven minutes after he was escorted off. Michael Boxall tipped the scales in their favour at the 60-minute mark, followed by Barbarousos - Wood's substitute - netting a second goal six minutes later.
Defender Elijah Just sealed the victory towards the end, scoring the visitors' third goal of the evening. While New Zealand may be satisfied with the outcome despite Wood's departure, his club Forest now face nervy wait to find out the severity of his injury.
On losing Wood, New Zealand chief Darren Bazeley told France24: "It's not great for us losing our captain and our goalscorer. It was a difficult thing for the team but they came through so well."
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo (Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Nuno's team are set to play Brighton this Saturday in their FA Cup quarter-final before welcoming Manchester United to the City Ground on April 1. Forest have emerged as the season's dark horse, maintaining their position in the top four and currently occupying third place with 54 points - maintaining a five-point lead over sixth-placed Newcastle.
Wood has been instrumental in their quest to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 45 years, with only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak outscoring him this season.
Forest do have alternatives to fill Wood's shoes, but Nuno will undoubtedly be keen to avoid losing his key forward for the final nine matches of the campaign.
The most likely candidate to step into his role would be Taiwo Awoniyi, who has only started twice in the Premier League this season from his 22 appearances and has one goal to his credit.
Newcastle United Carabao Cup WINNERS 2024/25
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