The Frenchman has expressed his desire to leave Crystal Palace, who, like Forest, are fighting to stay in the Premier League.
In a statement to the Herald, New Zealand Football said it has been in regular contact with Wood and is hopeful he will be back soon.
“Chris is currently still in the process of recovering from his operation. We are in regular contact with him and he is in the hands of a great medical team at Nottingham Forest. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back playing in the Premier League soon.”
Chris Wood has made just eight appearances for Nottingham Forest this season.
Forest are currently 17th on 25 points, five points above the relegation zone, while Palace are a further three points clear, although they have just sold their captain, Marc Guehi, to Manchester City, while manager Oliver Glasner has announced he will leave at the end of the season.
Even though Wood is sidelined, that hasn’t stopped speculation about his future at Forest, with a report from Italy suggesting Juventus are interested in signing him and “will evaluate his condition and decide whether to move forward”.
The 36-time Italian champions have been linked with numerous strikers during the January transfer window, and a move to Turin would seem odd as he doesn’t fit their profile.
If Forest were to sign Mateta or another striker, they have to be aware of the profit and sustainability rules which, if a signing is made, could lead to a departure to balance the books.
Clubs in Greece and Türkiye have also reportedly shown an interest in Wood
The transfer window in England closes on February 2 at 7pm, local time.
Chris Wood has scored 45 goals in 88 appearances for the All Whites. Photo / Photosport
With Wood sidelined for his club, he’s unlikely to be involved in New Zealand’s two upcoming internationals in March, when they will face Chile and Finland in Auckland, their final fixtures before departing for the World Cup.
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley is hopeful Wood will be back on the field soon, as he wants him “fit for the World Cup”.
“I know that him and Nottingham Forest are doing everything they can to get him fit as quick as they can,” Bazeley said.
“They [Forest] need him back playing in the Premier League and, I think for us, we want him back as soon as we can, but obviously the World Cup is key.”
The All Whites have been drawn in Group G for the World Cup, their third ever and first since 2010, where they will face Iran, Egypt and Belgium. Options are currently being considered for where their home base will be for the tournament.
The lack of game time has been frustrating for Wood coming off his best season in the Premier League where he scored 20 goals in 36 appearances, to finish among the top scorers, while helping Forest finish seventh and qualify for the Europa League.
His form saw him become a finalist for Sportsman of the Year at next month’s Halberg Awards.
After having surgery, Wood took to social media to say he plans to come back stronger.
“From the highs of last season to now the battles and the lows personally of this season,” the caption read. “You have to be ready for anything.
“Truly gutting and frustrating that I’ll be on the sideline for another period of time. It’s what’s needed to come back stronger and better to help my teammates do the job needed in the Prem and in Europe.”
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.