Chris Wood New Zealand Star Sidesteps Major Injury Following Recent Knock

New Zealands skipper and top marksman is poised to deliver vital contributions for the All Whites during the World Cup hosted in North America, kicking off with a match versus Iran on 15 June.

The 34 year old player who resumed playing just this month after an extended absence from a knee problem that needed an operation came off in the opening period following a tough challenge from Porto back Jan Bednarek with the latter receiving an immediate dismissal.

Forest secured a 1 0 victory in the return fixture of the last eight tie progressing 2 1 overall.

Although it is never ideal to witness our squad members suffering knocks the blow landed on the opposite knee from his recent procedure Bazeley commented in remarks to local New Zealand outlets.

Forest staff will evaluate him however it appears less grave than initially appeared which is a relief.

New Zealand are drawn with Egypt and Belgium in Group G marking their comeback to the World Cup stage since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.