Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira has delivered a positive fitness update on striker Chris Wood ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Aston Villa this Sunday. Wood, making his first appearance in six months, came through 45 minutes of Thursday's Europa League win over Porto with no new injury concerns.

"Fantastic player, fantastic character," Pereira said of Wood. "No injury, 45 minutes, next game we will see. We try step-by-step to get the confidence and the shape." This is a major boost for Forest's survival bid, adding a proven goal threat as they navigate a demanding schedule.

That schedule sees Forest quickly shift focus from European glory to a vital domestic battle. Pereira emphasized the need for mental and physical freshness to tackle Unai Emery's high-flying Villa side, who themselves are coming off a 3-1 Europa League quarter-final win at Bologna.

"We need to be with fresh legs and fresh minds to face a strong team like Aston Villa," Pereira stated. "To have a good result is important... We need to face these games in our best level, that's why it's important to balance the two competitions."

Recognizing the different challenges each club faces—Villa chasing Champions League qualification and Forest fighting relegation—Pereira stressed that the outcome will be determined by his own team's preparation and spirit. "It is time to recover, time to unite the army with good spirit to play in our level against Aston Villa and try to win the game."