Chris Wood injured on international duty as Forest dealt big Champions League blow

Nottingham Forest is worried about Chris Wood’s condition after he was substituted out of Monday’s international match against New Zealand due to an injury. The 33-year-old’s hip problem could be a setback for Forest’s chances of winning the Champions League. He has scored 18 goals for Nuno Espirito Santo’s team this season. In their World Cup 2026 qualifying match against New Caledonia, the tall striker left the field with a severe limp and with caution.

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After experiencing some difficulty, Wood indicated that he needed to be replaced while the Kiwis were tied 0-0. He attempted to bounce back after taking a knock earlier in the game, but it quickly became apparent that he would have to be withdrawn. He walked sluggishly off the field.

Although the extent of the injury is unknown, it might be a devastating blow to both club and nation. Wood scored nine goals in his last five All Whites games, including a hat-trick in the team’s 7-0 thumping of Fiji the previous game. With 44 goals in 83 appearances, he is also his nation’s top goal scorer ever.

But in his absence, New Zealand came strong, taking the lead seven minutes after he was substituted. On the hour mark, Michael Boxall gave them the lead, and on the 66th minute, Barbarousos, who had been brought on to replace Wood, added a second. Elijah Just, a defender, scored the visitors’ third goal late in the game to ensure victory.