Gary O’Neil has updated Wolves fans on the club’s injury situation, with another first-teamer ruled out ahead of Luton.
Wolves have had numerous injuries in 2024. Despite a strong start to the year, several Wolves first-team players have been sidelined for extended periods of time.
This has resulted in a drastic downturn in form, with O’Neil’s side failing to win in their last seven matches. The Wolves manager has expressed his dissatisfaction, despite the fact that his team was on the verge of qualifying for Europe.
Saturday’s meeting against Luton is one of the club’s last opportunities to stop its winless streak this season. Man City and Liverpool follow the tie, with an in-form Crystal Palace team sandwiched in between.
However, while O’Neil was able to provide a hopeful report on Matheus Cunha, the fitness of other key players does not appear to be encouraging.
Matheus Cunha – injury update
The Brazilian has played an important role for Wolves this season. Cunha was considered a ‘failure’ when he first joined Wolves under Julen Lopetegui, but O’Neil has helped him turn his career around.
The attacker has delivered several outstanding performances. The most notable was Cunha’s hat-trick in the 4-2 triumph over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
As a result, the Brazilian’s hamstring injury forced him to miss nearly two months of action.
Despite making his comeback against Nottingham Forest, Cunha experienced a setback last week.
O’Neil has now announced that Cunha should be fit to face Luton. He went on to say: “Cunha did really well, came through the game fine and hasn’t suffered any negative consequences for the minutes he played, so he’ll be in a better spot for us tomorrow.”
Expected return: Luton (April 27).
Santiago Bueno – injury latest
The Uruguayan has finally made his appearance in the starting lineup. Santiago Bueno hasn’t had much of an opportunity to flourish since signing in the summer.
O’Neil has frequently used a Toti Gomes, Max Kilman, and Craig Dawson backline. However, with the latter out for months, the Uruguayan has been handed an opportunity.
Unfortunately, this run is now coming to an end. O’Neil was forced to substitute Bueno against Bournemouth because to a hamstring issue, which has not improved in recent days.
“Santi Bueno will be out,” O’Neil explained. “It’s not too serious, we’re hopeful for Manchester City and extremely confident for Crystal Palace, so nothing too long, but it’s still disappointing.”
Expected return: Crystal Palace (May 11)
Toti Gomes – injury latest
Toti Gomes has been a fixture in the Wolves’ backline this season. After being employed as a squad player in past seasons, the Portuguese international has now secured a regular position.
The defender has been one of Wolves’ most consistent players this season, and he hopes to maintain that trend into the next campaign.
Toti may be unable to play on Saturday owing to a minor hamstring injury, but the Wolves manager expects he will be ‘fine’.
This might lead to a real mess for Wolves. Kilman is now the club’s only fit senior centre-back, as O’Neil’s options become more limited.
Expected return: Luton (April 27).
Hwang Hee-Chan – injury latest
Wolves’ leading scorer hasn’t got much time to shine so far in 2024. After returning from the Asian Cup, Hwang only played twice in the Premier League before being injured against Brighton.
Following the defeat to Newcastle, O’Neil stated that the South Korean international would be sidelined for six weeks.
Since then, Hwang has gradually returned to fitness. The South Korean substituted against Nottingham Forest and began against Arsenal and Bournemouth.
O’Neil has now verified that Hwang will continue to be fit for Luton. He said, “Channy came through okay, a first 90, which was good for him. He will be accessible again, and the rest are well.
Expected return: Luton (April 27).
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – injury latest
Since signing in the summer, Wolves’ Frenchman hasn’t had much opportunity to flourish. Due to the club’s injury crisis, Bellegarde has frequently been forced to play out of position.
Things became worse for the midfielder when he suffered an injury against Fulham and was forced to leave in the first half. O’Neil has indicated that the Luton match is still too early for Bellegarde as he recovers.
Expected return: unknown
Pedro Neto – injury latest
Neto appears to be on track to return by the end of the season.
The winger has always struggled with injuries, and the curse has struck again. After missing a significant amount of the season with a hamstring injury, fate has reared its ugly head once more.
Neto was forced to leave the 2-1 victory over Fulham after feeling his other hamstring just before halftime.
However, O’Neil is now convinced that Neto will be back for at least the Crystal Palace match.
Manchester City may come too soon for Pedro Neto but Gary O’Neil confident he should be involved vs Crystal Palace
Sorry to the team facing a fully fit front 3 of Hwang, Cunha & Neto in GW39!#wwfc
— Nathan Judah (@NathanJudah) April 26, 2024
Expected return: Crystal Palace (May 11)
Craig Dawson – injury latest
One player who has taken a number of hits this season. Dawson has missed the last several games due to a groin injury and has not played since the loss to Newcastle.
Dawson came off the bench in the 2-1 loss to West Ham at Molineux, but was not risked during the game.
O’Neil has already stated that Dawson underwent surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
Expected return: 2024/25 season.
