‘Truly gutting’ – Chris Wood releases emotional Instagram post moments before Nottingham Forest match

Chris Wood has revealed he faces another period on the sidelines for Nottingham Forest after undergoing surgery.

The striker has not played for Forest since their 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea on October 18 due to a knee injury.

@woodsy39 Instagram

Wood, who scored 20 goals in the Premier League last season, played just 560 minutes of football across all competitions before his injury.

His return date was unknown, but he is now set to wait even longer as he recovers from surgery.

Taking to Instagram shortly before kick-off in Forest’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, Wood posted an emotional message on his setback.

“The Christmas I didn’t expect, you can never know what football throws at you,” he said.

“From the highs of last season to now the battles and the lows personally of this season. You have to be ready for anything.

“Truly gutting and frustrating that I’ll be on the side line for another period of time.

“It’s what’s needed to come back stronger and better to help my team mates do the job needed in the prem and in Europe.

“Thanks to everyone that’s helped with this. Lot of people have gone out there way over the Xmas period to help my recovery.

“Most importantly to our doctor and medical team. As well as the players, staff and the NFFC family.

“Hope you’ve all had a great Christmas, enjoy the new year and see you in 2026!!! COYR!!!”

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Forest fight but fall to defeat

The visit of Premier League title challengers City was always going to be a tough test for Forest during the festive period.

A strong performance in the first half at the City Ground had the two sides level and goalless at the break.

City found the breakthrough within three minutes of the second half though as Tijjani Reijnders scored from a neat Rayan Cherki pass.

Omari Hutchinson equalised for Forest moments later, finishing off a fine counter-attack.

However, City won all three points with seven minutes to play thanks to an excellent first-time strike form Cherki.

Victory has sent them top of the Premier League and a point ahead of Arsenal, who play Brighton this afternoon.