Eddie Howe praises Nottingham Forest striker ahead of their clash.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has shared his assessment of Nottingham Forest’s running back Chris Wood ahead of the game at the City Ground.

Wood, a former player for Newcastle, has been ruled out for Saturday’s matchup due to an injury.

Eddie Howe has heaped praise upon Nottingham Forest’s forward, Chris Wood, ahead of their anticipated clash with Newcastle United at the renowned City Ground in the Premier League showdown set for Saturday evening.

Expressing admiration for Wood’s prowess on the field, Howe highlighted the significant role the striker plays in Forest’s lineup, emphasizing his stature as one of the team’s premier assets. Recognizing Wood’s history as a former Newcastle player adds an intriguing narrative to the forthcoming fixture, fueling anticipation among fans and pundits alike.

However, despite Wood’s influential presence and status as a key figure within the Forest squad, unfortunate circumstances have arisen, leading to his absence from the impending battle against the Magpies. This absence, undoubtedly felt by both the team and supporters, leaves a notable void in Forest’s attacking lineup, prompting speculation and strategic adjustments as they prepare to face their formidable opponents.

As the stage is set for a riveting encounter between two footballing powerhouses, the absence of such a prominent figure as Wood adds an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the twists and turns that will undoubtedly unfold on the hallowed turf of the City Ground.

The reason for Wood’s absence stems from an unfortunate injury sidelining the New Zealand international, as confirmed by Forest’s head coach Nuno, who disclosed that the striker is expected to be out of action for the next seven to eight weeks due to a hamstring injury.

Looking ahead to the highly anticipated showdown at the City Ground on Saturday evening, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has continued to sing praises for Wood, recognizing his talent and contributions despite his current injury setback.

New Zealand international striker, Chris Wood, currently sidelined due to injury, faces a setback in his playing time as Forest head coach Nuno confirms a hamstring injury will keep him out for the next seven to eight weeks. With Wood unavailable, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praises the striker’s prowess ahead of their upcoming clash at the City Ground on Saturday evening, highlighting his significance on the pitch despite his absence due to injury.

Eddie Howe, having previously managed the striker during his tenure at Newcastle, oversaw the transfer of the 32-year-old to Forest for a reported fee of £15 million, as per The Athletic’s report. Howe, expressing satisfaction, now faces relief that the striker will not feature in Saturday evening’s match. The anticipation of facing his former player brings a mix of emotions, with Howe acknowledging the threat Wood poses on the field despite his current unavailability.

Wood’s impact resonates strongly in recent memory, particularly with his stellar performance against Newcastle in December, where he netted a remarkable hat-trick for Forest at St. James’ Park in the Premier League. This standout display serves as a testament to Wood’s undeniable talent and ability to make a significant impact on the pitch, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable striker in the footballing world.

NewcastleWorld quotes Howe as saying about Wood: “Chris, on the day, did very very well. It was no surprise to us because we knew his qualities.

“He was a brilliant signing for us to help keep us in the division when we were in a difficult position but we’re pleased he’ll be missing.”

Chris Wood’s injury deals a significant setback to Nottingham Forest’s campaign. The striker had been hitting his stride under Nuno’s guidance, demonstrating promising signs of form, only to be sidelined for several weeks.

With nine starts and 11 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, Wood has showcased his prowess with eight goals and one assist to his name. His absence leaves a void in Forest’s attacking setup, necessitating a collective effort to fill the scoring vacuum and navigate away from the perilous threat of relegation to the Championship.

In this scenario, the onus falls upon Taiwo Awoniyi to elevate his performance and shoulder the responsibility of finding the back of the net. As Forest’s hopes of retaining their top-flight status hang in the balance, Awoniyi’s ability to rise to the occasion becomes pivotal, as he must seize the opportunity to deliver crucial goals and aid in the team’s quest for survival.