Chris Wood confirmed for New Zealand's upcoming matches vs India
(Courtesy :Â Getty)
The striker will return from injury to play for the All Whites.
The All Whites’ roster for two international games against India has been delayed as an update on a player’s injuries is still awaited, media reports suggest.
However, there is good news on the player front, as veteran and club captain Chris Wood has confirmed that he will play the games, his first at home since September of last year.
Chris Wood, all-time top goalscorer for the New Zealand men’s national football team, will now be looking to add to his goal tally vs India in November.
He suffered a serious right knee cartilage injury in October 2024 (initially misdiagnosed as minor) that required surgery in December 2024 and sidelined him for six months (194 days, missing 23 Premier League games) before returning in April 2026.
Wood is yet to find the back of the net for his club Nottingham Forest this season, with zero goals in eight appearances across all competitions.
Chris Wood set to be fit to play against India
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Chris Wood is available and has been chosen for the team to play games at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch and Go Media Stadium in Auckland, according to NZ Football.
“Coming home and playing in front of our own fans is always really special. It is going to be amazing for me to be back in Auckland for the first time in over a year as well as play the first ever international match at the new stadium in Christchurch,” said Wood.
Chris Wood has the most appearances and goals of any New Zealand player with 95 matches and 45 international goals. Moreover, Darren Bazeley will coach his last games in the November international break, as he will leave when his current contract expires in December.
New Zealand rank 88th in the FIFA global rankings. India are in 138th place. The first game will be played on Thursday, November 12, at Mt Smart venue in Auckland, with an afternoon kickoff on Saturday, November 14, at the Christchurch indoor venue.
When are New Zealand’s friendly matches against India?
Their first game is on 12th Nov at 11:30 am, then on 15th Nov at 8:30 am IST.
Will Chris Wood play in the ucpoming two-match international friendly series?
Yes, he is set to feature for them.
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