Nottingham Forest arrived in northern Portugal on Wednesday with plenty of attention on their striking options, but not all of it was focused on the obvious names. While Igor Jesus has scored more goals than anyone else in the Europa League this season, the biggest source of interest around the club was Chris Wood, whose recovery from knee surgery is gathering pace.
The New Zealand striker has been working his way back after undergoing surgery in December and is now closing in on a first-team return. His progress comes at an important moment for Forest, who face a demanding stretch of matches in both the Premier League and Europe.
Wood’s return has been gradual and closely managed. Last weekend, Forest held an interactive open-training session at the City Ground, where the 34-year-old was watched closely by supporters keen for updates on his condition. He has been ticking off targets as part of his rehabilitation, and his recent steps forward have given the club a timely boost.
At the end of last month, Wood marked his comeback with a goal for Forest’s under-21 side against Newcastle. That appearance came 11 minutes into his return to action and took place in modest surroundings at Loughborough University’s stadium, where the crowd was only a few hundred strong. Among those present were students, Forest fans and a small number of supporters from the north-east.
The return of a player of Wood’s experience and scoring record would be significant for Forest at any stage, but it carries extra weight now as the club tries to balance domestic and European ambitions. Last season in the Premier League, only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak scored more goals than Wood, underlining the level he reached before his injury setback.
For Forest, that track record is exactly why his comeback matters. The club has entered a period where squad depth and attacking options could prove decisive, and Wood’s return would give them another proven finisher as the schedule intensifies.
The trip to Portugal also brings a return for Vitor Pereira, adding another layer of interest to the occasion. But while Pereira’s presence naturally draws attention, Forest’s immediate concern is the fitness of Wood and how quickly he can be reintegrated into first-team football.
There is still careful work to do before that happens, but the signs are increasingly positive. After months on the sidelines, Wood has moved a step closer to making himself available again, and for Nottingham Forest that represents a welcome lift at exactly the right time.
With crucial fixtures approaching, Forest will be hoping the striker’s recovery continues without interruption. If it does, the club could soon be able to call on one of its most reliable forwards just as the season reaches a decisive stage.
