Wood's injury scare... but striker relishing World Cup

FOREST HOPE PROBLEM ISN'T TOO SERIOUS AFTER TOP SCORER IS SUBSTITUTED BY NEW ZEALAND

- SARAH CLAPSON

THERE was an injury scare for Nottingham Forest as their leading scorer Chris Wood made an early exit in New Zealand's World Cup 2026 qualifier against New Caledonia.

But the striker was in high spirits after the game as he looked forward to playing for the All Whites at next year's World Cup finals.

The 33-year-old striker, who has netted 18 goals for Nuno Espirito Santo's Reds, was seen limping heavily, seemingly due to a hip injury.

He was replaced in the 54th minute when the score was goalless, with the All Whites going on to win 3-0 and subsequently book their place at the 2026 World Cup finals.

In an interview with the official YouTube channel of the Oceania Football Confederation, Wood was not asked about the nature of the problem, with the reporter only alluding to some "personal pain".