Chris Wood, Forest’s top scorer with 18 goals in 29 league games, sustained a hip injury during New Zealand’s 3-0 win over New Caledonia. Substituted in the 54th minute, he later celebrated World Cup qualification, but his fitness remains a concern for Espirito Santo.
Forest, third in the table and chasing a rare top-four finish, faces key league fixtures against Manchester United and Aston Villa. Wood has yet to start an FA Cup match this season, highlighting Espirito Santo’s rotation strategy.
Awoniyi, with just six starts under Espirito Santo three in the FA Cup, has struggled for minutes, impacting his international career. With Wood sidelined, the quarter-final against Brighton offers him a chance to prove his worth.
Forest last reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1959. A win would be a major milestone, while also giving fringe players like Awoniyi a chance to shine.
