Nottingham Forest fans, this is the kind of news we’ve been waiting for all season! In a campaign full of challenges, Vítor Pereira delivered some hugely welcome positivity ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against FC Porto.
**Chris Wood**, the experienced New Zealand international striker and a proven goalscorer at the City Ground, is back in the squad after a six-month injury lay-off.
The 34-year-old has fully recovered from his knee problem, has resumed training with the first team, and has even travelled with the squad to Portugal — making him available for selection as Forest chase a place in the Europa League semi-finals.
Let’s be honest: losing Wood for such a long period felt like a significant setback. The All Whites captain arrived at the City Ground with a reputation for clinical finishing and aerial dominance, and he quickly became a vital part of Forest’s attack in previous seasons.
Standing at 6’3”, with excellent hold-up play, intelligent movement inside the box, and the ability to score with both feet or his head, Wood brought experience and reliability up front.
He’s been limited to just a handful of appearances this term due to the knee injury sustained in October, which required surgery in December. In his absence, the Reds have relied on players like Igor Jesus to lead the line, but everyone at the club knew that having Wood back would add another dimension to the attack.
The injury came at a frustrating time, just as Forest were building momentum in both the Premier League and Europe. A lengthy rehabilitation followed, with careful management to avoid any setbacks.
Wood made his first steps back by featuring for the under-21s recently, scoring in a B-team game and showing positive signs in training. Pereira has been cautious but optimistic, stressing that while minutes will be managed carefully to protect the player’s fitness, Wood is now ready to contribute.
“He has started to train with the team and is available for the game,” the head coach confirmed in his pre-Porto press conference. This isn’t a rushed return — it’s the result of dedicated work from the medical team and the player’s own professionalism.
**Why this is such great news for Nottingham Forest — and not just up front**
First and foremost, Wood’s return strengthens the attacking options at a critical moment. Forest are fighting on two fronts: battling to stay clear of the Premier League relegation zone (currently just a few points above the drop) and pushing deep into the Europa League. Porto away is a tough assignment, but having an experienced striker like Wood available gives Pereira more tactical flexibility. Whether coming off the bench for impact or starting if needed, Wood’s presence can stretch defences, win flick-ons for creative players like Morgan Gibbs-White or Callum Hudson-Odoi, and provide that clinical edge in the box. One well-timed header or poached goal could swing a tight European tie.
Beyond Europe, this boost is vital for Premier League survival. With upcoming home games against Aston Villa and Burnley, plus a trip to Sunderland, every goal and every point counts. Wood’s hold-up play and experience can help the team control games better, relieve pressure on the defence, and create chances for others. His return also eases the workload on the current front-line players who have shouldered the burden during his absence, allowing for better rotation in a congested schedule.
Morale gets a significant lift too. Injuries can test squad spirit, but seeing a senior, respected figure like Wood back in the group sends a positive message throughout the dressing room. He’s a leader on and off the pitch — New Zealand’s record goalscorer with international pedigree — and his comeback coincides perfectly with high-stakes fixtures where the City Ground faithful will be roaring the team on. Fans have missed his aerial threat and composure; welcoming him back (potentially featuring against Porto or at home to Villa on Sunday) will create an electric atmosphere and inspire the whole squad.
Let’s not overlook the broader squad impact. Other players remain sidelined — including defenders like Willy Boly (knee, out until late May), Nicolò Savona (knee), and Jair Cunha (ankle/foot, potentially close for mid-April) — so depth is still being tested. Wood’s availability reduces over-reliance on any single forward and allows Pereira to manage the group more effectively. It also supports the long-term development of younger or squad attackers by providing a veteran role model who demonstrates resilience and professionalism during recovery.
**Looking ahead: Wood as the catalyst for a strong finish**
Nottingham Forest’s 2025/26 season has been a tale of resilience. Promotion of European football brought excitement and tough challenges, with the squad showing real character in grinding out results despite the injury list. Wood has been part of that story in the past, and his return comes at the perfect time as the campaign enters its decisive phase.
Whether it’s securing Premier League status, advancing in Europe (with the return leg at the City Ground on April 16), or even dreaming bigger, having a proven goal threat fit and available is huge.
Pereira’s careful approach to recoveries has kept the team competitive, and Wood’s integration will follow the same measured plan — building minutes gradually while prioritising full fitness. Supporters can look forward to more of those trademark moments: powerful headers from set-pieces, clever link-up play, and that calm finishing that has delivered goals in big games before.
As April unfolds with fixtures against Villa, Burnley, and beyond, every reinforcement matters. Forest are in a position where momentum can swing things dramatically — and Chris Wood’s comeback is exactly the kind of spark needed. It’s not just good news for the Reds; it’s also a timely boost for New Zealand ahead of their World Cup preparations.
So, Tricky Trees supporters, get ready to welcome back one of our key experienced heads. Whether he features in Portugal or makes his impact at the City Ground soon, Chris Wood is back — and Nottingham Forest are ready to fight with renewed attacking strength. Up the Reds! This could be the boost that helps define a memorable end to the season, keeping the dream alive on both domestic and European fronts. Come on you Reds!
