Chris Wood back from injury in boost for New Zealand ahead World Cup

Chris Wood is set to make his long‑awaited comeback, delivering a timely boost for both New Zealand and Nottingham Forest ahead of a crucial stretch. The 34‑year‑old has been out since October with a knee injury that required surgery in December, but Forest manager Vítor Pereira confirmed the striker was already training fully and available for Thursday’s Europa League quarter‑final first leg against Porto.

Wood, New Zealand’s all‑time leading scorer with 45 goals, last featured for the All Whites during their 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa. His return arrives just as New Zealand prepare for a demanding Group G at this year’s World Cup, where they will face Belgium, Egypt and Iran in June.

For Forest, his presence restores experience and physicality up front. For New Zealand, it revives hopes of a competitive showing on the global stage with their most prolific finisher back in action.