Nottingham Forest’s top brass are reportedly feeling hopeful that Chris Wood will soon brush off his injury scare and return to action swiftly. The striker is set to undergo a thorough check-up by Forest’s medical team after his stint with New Zealand resulted in an early exit during a World Cup qualifier, prompting concerns over his fitness.

According to the Daily Mail, inside sources from the New Zealand delegation relayed upbeat news about Wood’s condition as he prepares to return to his home turf at the City Ground. In the thick of Monday’s World Cup qualifying brawl with New Caledonia, Wood succumbed to an injury in the 54th minute. An awkward landing seemed to jolt his hip and ribs while taking a shot, leading to his early substitution.

Following his withdrawal from the game, Wood was seen gingerly nursing his right side with an ice pack. A series of diagnostic scans were scheduled for Tuesday back in New Zealand before Wood jets off to the UK.

“That’s where the pain is at the moment,” Wood confided to the RNZ radio station, reflecting hopefulness, “I felt it on that side, so I’ll get it checked over and hopefully it is nothing too major and hopefully it’s just impact.”

Playing a pivotal role for Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, currently sitting pretty in third place, Wood’s presence on the field has been crucial this season.

Forest fans eagerly await their team’s next challenge, a Saturday face-off against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup quarter-finals, followed by returning to Premier League action the ensuing Tuesday, hosting Manchester United at home.

This article first appeared on Nottinghamshire Live.