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Steve Cooper explains why Chris Wood didn’t play for Nottingham Forest today

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Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has confirmed that Chris Wood missed the game against Liverpool with a hamstring problem. The striker wasn’t in the matchday squad as the team were beaten 3-0 at Anfield.

Wood was the hero of the hour for Forest last weekend. He scored twice during the 2-2 draw with Luton Town but was forced to sit out of the clash this afternoon.

Forest did see Taiwo Awoniyi return to action today. He’s been out injured with a groin problem but did manage to get around 30 minutes under his belt this afternoon.

Cooper explains Wood absence as Reds are trounced

This was a really hard afternoon for Forest. Cooper is stifled somewhat with several attacking options missing at the moment but there was no excuse for this abysmal performance.

Forest Wood
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ahead of the game, Forest head coach Cooper explained to BBC Sport why Wood wasn’t included in the matchday squad. He said: “Woody unfortunately picked up a hamstring injury and is going to be out for a little while. We have no recognised striker in the starting XI and it’s not ideal in terms of attacking options.”

It never rains, it pours from a Forest perspective on the injury front. Callum Hudson-Odoi is currently missing after picking up a problem before the Luton game, whilst Divock Origi is also out at the moment.

Forest will hope Wood can return quickly

After last weekend’s brace, Wood is level with Awoniyi on three goals for the current campaign. Forest are short of goalscorers at the moment and they can ill-afford any more attacking injuries.

Although Wood isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, he is quietly going about his business it would seem. The experienced talisman can definitely do a job this season and Forest will hope to get him back on the pitch sooner rather than later.