Nottingham Forest forward Chris Wood has seemingly emerged as an injury doubt ahead of the return to domestic action.
Wood has been one of the players of this season’s Premier League, contributing 18 goals and three assists from his 29 matches in the top flight.
As well as Forest sitting in third position in the Premier League table, Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side are also preparing to feature in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
However, ahead of squaring off against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, it appears that Forest have been left with concerns regarding the fitness of one of their star men.
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Why is Wood an injury doubt?
On Monday, New Zealand qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 victory away in New Caledonia, earning just their third-ever spot at the Finals.
Thirty-three-year-old Wood had contributed an incredible nine goals in four World Cup qualifiers prior to the most recent encounter, yet his outing would end on a drab note.
With the score still goalless, Wood was withdrawn in the 54th minute having seemingly suffered a hip injury while taking a shot.
Although Wood was able to celebrate with the rest of his teammates after the match, there will be obvious concern at Forest.
The East Midlands outfit are due to face Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday before playing host to Manchester United in the Premier League three days later.
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Would Nuno take any risks?
While Forest are attempting to win their first FA Cup since 1959, priority will undoubtedly be given to finishing in the top four of the Premier League.
Wood is yet to start a single FA Cup this campaign and it is plausible to expect that run to continue on the South coast.
Taiwo Awoniyi is likely to get the nod down the centre of the attack, with three of the Nigerian’s six starts this campaign coming in the FA Cup.
As well as facing Man United soon after the international break, just four more days will pass before a Midlands derby against Aston Villa, another team bidding to qualify for the Champions League.
