Chris Wood injures hip during World Cup qualifying match
- Chris Wood suffered a right hip injury during a World Cup qualifying match, impacting his availability for upcoming games.
- The injury occurred while he was playing for New Zealand against New Caledonia, where his team won 3-0.
- Due to his injury, Chris Wood will miss the FA Cup quarterfinal match against Brighton, affecting Nottingham Forest's chances.
In New Zealand, Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood experienced a right hip injury while participating in a World Cup qualifying match against New Caledonia. This match took place on a Monday, where Wood was substituted in the 53rd minute with the score at 0-0. Ultimately, New Zealand secured a 3-0 victory, qualifying them for the 2026 World Cup, following Japan's qualification. Following the injury, Wood underwent scans to determine the extent of the damage, expressing hope that the injury was not serious and merely a result of impact. He reported ongoing pain in the affected area after visiting a specialist. As a result of the injury, Nottingham Forest announced that Wood would be unavailable for their FA Cup quarterfinal clash against Brighton, scheduled for Saturday. The loss is particularly significant for the team, which is currently in third place in the Premier League with only nine games left in the season, aiming for a top-five finish that would secure a spot in the Champions League. Wood, who is a key player for the club, was fourth in the Premier League's scoring charts with 18 goals. Team manager Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed the situation in a press conference, highlighting that Wood felt a hard kick on his hip, underlining the injury's impact on the squad. This situation puts additional pressure on Nottingham Forest as they strive to maintain their position in the league standings. With only a handful of games left, the team faces challenges not only in terms of performance on the pitch but also the health and availability of key players like Wood. The club's aspirations for elite tournament qualification add another layer of urgency to the prognosis of Wood's injury. If he requires an extended recovery period, it could jeopardize Nottingham Forest's chance to make a historic Champions League appearance. With the immediate future uncertain for the striker and the team, both fans and management will be closely monitoring the results of the scans. The hope is that Wood can return to full fitness quickly; however, the decision surrounding his return will ultimately hinge on medical advice following the scan results, which could impact Forest's performance going forward in their quest to solidify their place in Premier League standings and European competition.