Vitor Pereira hopeful on Chris Wood return as Nottingham Forest seek goals | OneFootball

Vitor Pereira remains hopeful Chris Wood can still play a part in Nottingham Forest’s survival push, with goals proving hard to come by.

According to Nottingham Post, the 34-year-old has been out since October following knee surgery and, after being cleared to step up his rehab, could yet return this season. He was Forest’s top scorer last term.

With Wood absent, summer arrival Igor Jesus has only two Premier League goals and January addition Lorenzo Lucca has struggled to make an impact. Jesus started Pereira’s first two matches and scored in a 3-0 play-off first leg in Istanbul against Fenerbahce, taking his Europa League tally to seven, but that form has not transferred to the league.

Back at the City Ground, Pereira’s home debut ended in a 1-0 loss to Liverpool despite 18 attempts, settled by Alexis Mac Allister’s very late finish. Taiwo Awoniyi was not among the substitutes that day.

Pereira said he hopes to see Wood before the campaign ends, stressing the striker is recovering and remains important to his plans.

He contrasted Jesus with Wood, praising the Brazilian’s display in Istanbul and noting he found it tough against two imposing centre-backs against Liverpool, while insisting Jesus will score goals.

Forest sit two points above the relegation places with 11 matches left. Pereira said he is very confident of staying up and believes maintaining mentality, ambition and organisation will bring the points they need.

Source: Nottingham Post