NOTTINGHAM, England (AP) — 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.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
