Nottingham Forest face FC Midtjylland in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie in Denmark on Thursday
18:42, 18 Mar 2026Updated 18:45, 18 Mar 2026
Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira with Chris Wood
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Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira with Chris Wood(Image: Getty)
Vitor Pereira is hopeful of being able to count on striker Chris Wood for Nottingham Forest’s crucial run-in.
The New Zealand international has been absent since October and underwent knee surgery at the turn of the year. He is making good progress in his recovery, though, and could make his comeback next month.
Pereira says Wood joined in the warm-up with his teammates when they trained at the Nigel Doughty Academy this morning. Whether the Reds will still be in the Europa League by the time he returns remains to be seen as they have a 1-0 deficit to overcome when they face FC Midtjylland in Denmark in the second leg of their last 16 tie on Thursday (5.45pm kick-off).
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Defender Jair Cunha has been ruled out of the midweek clash with a foot problem, but goalkeeper Stefan Ortgea is in contention to feature after recovering from a calf issue and being added to Forest’s UEFA A List. Having Wood back will be a big boost for the Reds in the league, though, as they have eight games remaining to secure survival.
“We don't have any new injuries,” Pereira said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday. “Jair is out because he is trying to recover
“Chris Wood is out recovering. Ortega is in condition to play tomorrow. I think that's all.”
On Wood, Pereira added: “I am watching him in training. He started the warm-up with us today, with the team.
“I don’t want to push him, but I think he will be able to help us in the last games. He is important for the group, he is important because he has quality and will score goals. He has the personality to help us.”
Pereira is planning to make changes to his starting XI in Denmark as he rotates his squad with Sunday’s huge Premier League match away to Tottenham Hotspur in mind. He has not left any of his big-hitters at home, however, as he is keen for Forest to have a united front during a tricky time.
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“In my opinion, we are in a moment where we need to be united,” the Portuguese said. “I cannot have players for one game and other players for another game.
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“They worked a lot to be here (in Europe). We need them for tomorrow. We need to see the team united; everyone in condition to help.
“We don’t have a big squad. It means it is important we feel we are together in this game, trying to get the result to qualify. We are committed together.”
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