Wood Returns to Forest...

Striker Chris Wood is set to make his return to the Nottingham Forest squad in Porto following a six-month injury absence.

The 34-year-old forward, who has been out of action since October and underwent knee surgery in December, has traveled to Portugal for the first leg of Forest’s Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.

Last season, Wood scored 20 goals as Forest finished seventh in the Premier League, but this season he has only managed four in 13 appearances plagued by injuries.

Manager Vitor Pereira stated: “He has started training with the team and is available for the game. We’re managing him a little physically, but since he has traveled, he can play tomorrow.

“He’s an experienced player who can score goals, and his readiness is crucial as we face multiple challenges.”

Wood last took to the field for Forest under Ange Postecoglou and wasn’t available during Sean Dyche’s 114-day management before Pereira took over in February.

The New Zealand international has made two appearances for Forest’s Under-21 squad during his recovery, including a goal in a 3-0 victory over Newcastle last month.

Wood’s significance to Forest

Wood’s standout performance last season emphasized his importance to Forest.

Last season, the team scored 58 league goals, averaging 1.42 per game, with Wood responsible for 34.8% of that tally. This season, they have only netted 31 goals in 31 games, averaging one goal per game, with Wood scoring just twice on the opening day.

Since he joined Forest in January 2023, the team has played 67 matches with Wood starting, winning 25, compared to 59 games without him, in which they secured 15 victories.

Forest’s win rate with Wood starting is 37.3%, with a points-per-game average of 1.4. In contrast, their win percentage without him is 25.4%, with a 1.0 points-per-game average.

His return comes at a critical time as Forest aims for a European semi-final berth for the first time in 42 years while also fighting for Premier League survival.

Currently, Forest is three points above the relegation zone with seven matches remaining after last month’s crucial win against Tottenham.

Pereira concluded: “The priority is to win the next game, which is tomorrow. The Europa League is significant, and it’s equally vital to secure our place in the Premier League.

“We need to find a balance between both competitions. It’s the only way we can compete effectively in tomorrow’s match and again in three days against Aston Villa.

“The players must feel valued and believe they possess the skills and conditions to contribute to the club during this crucial time.”