Chris Wood leaves Forest game with knee problem in blow to New Zealand ahead of World Cup
Porto's Jan Bednarek, center, is shown a red card and sent off by referee Danny Makkelie during the Europa League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Nottingham Forest and Porto in Nottingham, England, Thursday April 16, 2026. Credit: AP/Gary Oakley
NOTTINGHAM, England — Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood was forced out of Thursday's Europa League quarterfinal game against Porto with a knee injury in what also could be a concern for New Zealand's World Cup plans.
The New Zealand captain was struck on the right knee by Jan Bednarek's high kick, which resulted in a red card for the Porto defender in the eighth minute.
Wood, who only recently returned from a six-month absence because of a knee injury, had played on before needing treatment in the 15th minute. He was then substituted off.
The extent of the injury wasn't immediately clear.
The 34-year-old Wood scored 20 goals last season for Forest, which is in a relegation battle in the Premier League.
New Zealand plays in Group G at the World Cup in two months. The “All Whites” are scheduled to face Iran, Egypt and Belgium.
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