Chris Wood returns to boost Nottingham Forest ahead of Europa League clash with FC Porto
Nottingham Forest have been handed a major injury boost ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against FC Porto, with Chris Wood returning to the squad after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Forest travel to the Estádio do Dragão in strong form, having climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone following an impressive 3-0 win away at Tottenham Hotspur in late March. That result has given renewed belief to a side looking to continue its European run.
Their opponents, meanwhile, sit top of the Primeira Liga under Francesco Farioli, although a recent draw with Famalicão has tightened the title race. Reports in Portugal suggest Porto could rotate their squad for this tie.
Forest will also take confidence from their earlier meeting with Porto, having secured a 2-0 victory at the City Ground during the league phase in October.
Chris Wood returns after long injury layoff
The biggest positive for Nottingham Forest is the return of Wood, who has not featured for the first team since October and underwent knee surgery in December. The experienced striker has now travelled with the squad to Portugal and is back in contention.
Forest head coach Vitor Pereira confirmed the update ahead of the match.
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“He has started to train with the team. He is available for the game,” Pereira said in his pre-match press conference.
“He is working with us, we need to manage him a little bit physically but he has travelled. It means he is available to be in the game tomorrow.
“He is an experienced player, he scores goals and it’s important to be ready for the team in this moment because we face a lot of challenges.”
The 34-year-old has been gradually building fitness, recently featuring for Forest’s Under-21 side, where he scored in a 3-0 win over Newcastle.
The news also comes as a major boost for New Zealand, who will be delighted to see one of their star players return to fitness ahead of the World Cup.
His return adds valuable experience and depth to Forest’s attacking options at a crucial stage of the season, as they prepare for a difficult test in Portugal while balancing their fight for Premier League survival.