Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood returns from injury to aid New Zealand before World Cup

The 34 year old has been absent since October following a knee problem. He had surgery in December.

His comeback was announced by Forest manager Vitor Pereira during a press briefing before the teams Europa League quarter final first leg against FC Porto on Thursday.

"He has begun training with the squad and is ready for the match", Pereira stated on Wednesday.

Wood is the All Whites leading scorer with 45 goals and represented New Zealand at their previous World Cup in 2010 in South Africa.

New Zealand sit in Group G for the World Cup facing Belgium Egypt and Iran in June.