Former Newcastle United man suffers eight-week injury blow - will miss Eddie Howe reunion

Nottingham Forest will be without Chris Wood for Saturday's Premier League clash at home to Newcastle United.

The New Zealand international scored a hat-trick on his return to St James' Park on Boxing Day as Nuno Espirito Santo's side ran out shock 3-1 winners.

But he won't get the chance to repeat his Forest heroics on this weekend with the 32-year-old set to miss the next seven to eight weeks with a hamstring injury.

Speaking about Wood's injury, Espirito Santo said: “Unfortunately Chris is not available. He is out. He is going to be out for some time. Hopefully not a long time, but let’s see. It is a hamstring. He felt uncomfortable so we did a scan and there is a minor injury there.

“We are frustrated but this happens. He was a doubt for Sunday’s game and he is going to be out for some time. It is part of the job. We are not here to always feel sorry for ourselves. We know more than anyone we have problems, but with problems we will find solutions."

Forest take on Bristol City on Wednesday night in their FA Cup fourth round replay. Espirito Santo could turn to former Liverpool striker Divock Origi to lead the line with Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga still making their way back to full fitness.

Wood has scored eight goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season. The 32-year-old moved to the City Ground from Newcastle in January 2022 on an initial loan deal before completing a £15million permanent switch.

He joined the Magpies from Burnley 12 months earlier and went on to find the net five times in 39 outings.