Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has provided a positive fitness update on Chris Wood ahead of Tuesday's Premier League fixture against Manchester United.
The New Zealand international picked up a hip injury while representing his country in a World Cup qualifier versus New Caledonia earlier this month.
As a result, the club's leading marksman was forced to miss Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton & Hove Albion, a tie which Forest won on penalties.
Despite that success, Forest's struggles in the final third across the 120 minutes of action emphasised the importance of Wood in this team.
With Forest bidding to retain their place in the top three of the Premier League table, they could benefit from the 33-year-old being available for selection versus the Red Devils.
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What has Nuno said on Wood?
Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon, Nuno has seemingly left the door open for Wood to return to the squad on Tuesday night or at the weekend.
The Portuguese told reporters: "He's improving. He's getting better day by day. We have to assess him day by day.
"It's all about him being free and getting better."
Following on from the showdown with United, Forest make the short trip across the Midlands to face Aston Villa in a potentially-pivotal fixture in the race for a top-five finish in the Premier League standings.
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Would Nuno be prepared to risk Wood?
With 18 goals and three assists from 29 Premier League appearances during 2024-25, it is clear what Wood brings to this team when fit.
His imposing physicality has also proven to be an issue for defenders throughout the campaign, something which the shorter Taiwo Awoniyi cannot provide.
While the Nigeria international has made an impact in previous campaigns, his only two goals during 2024-25 have been during the final stages of a 3-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers and versus Exeter City in the FA Cup.
As such, Nuno may be prepared to work with a more flexible attack if Wood remains absent. Anthony Elanga and Jota Silva would be options to deputise down the centre if required.
Given that the Villa game is just around the corner, it feels that Wood being named on the substitutes' bench is the most likely outcome if he passes a fitness test.
Darren Plant
