Wood’s career-best goal tally last season underlined his importance to Forest.
He scored 58 league goals in the league – an average of 1.42 per game, of which Wood provided 34.8% of the goals. This season, he has scored 31 times in 31 league games – an average of one goal per game – with Wood scoring only twice on the opening day.
Since his arrival at the City Ground in January 2023, Forest have played 67 games in which Wood has started, winning 25 times, and 59 games in which he has not started, winning 15 times.
His win percentage with Forrest starting is 37.3% with a points-per-game rate of 1.4, while without him it is 25.4% with a points-per-game of 1.0.
He returns as Forest battle to reach the European semi-finals for the first time in 42 years, while they also fight for Premier League survival.
Forest are three points above the relegation zone with seven games remaining after last month’s vital win at Tottenham.
Pereira said: “The priority is to win the next game and the next game is tomorrow. The Europa League is very important and it is very important to keep the club in the Premier League.”
“I need to find a balance between both competitions. That’s the only way; the only way to compete against Aston Villa tomorrow and then in three days’ time.
“Players have to feel that they are important and that they have the qualities and conditions to compete and help the club at this time.”
