Wolves will be without several key players for Saturday’s clash with Premier League title contenders Arsenal, with Matheus Cunha, Nelson Semedo and Craig Dawson joining Pedro Neto on the sidelines.
Wolves were firmly in the race for European qualification in March after an excellent start to O’Neil’s tenure, but a series of injuries have seen them slide out of the top half of the table.
Attacking trio Cunha, Neto and Hwang Hee-chan have all missed significant periods due to hamstring injuries, with Neto not expected back until May and Hwang still working his way back to peak condition.
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Cunha marked his first start in over two months with a brace in last week’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, but he will miss Arsenal’s visit to Molineux after sustaining a calf issue in that match.
O’Neil also expects both Hwang and Rayan Ait-Nouri to have limited involvement, raising the prospect of a makeshift lineup being sent out to face the Gunners.
“Neto is doing well and is on the grass. If everything goes well, he should play before the end of the season,” O’Neil said when asked for a team news update.
✨ @pedrolneto7 pic.twitter.com/DbxOSOQtAw
— Wolves (@Wolves) April 18, 2024
“Rayan could be available from the bench. Semedo is out, Cunha is out, Hwang will only play 45 tops. [Jean-Ricner] Bellegarde is out. Dawson has had an operation, so he’s out.
“Cunha got a kick on his calf against Forest and has done damage to the muscle. Semedo just has an overload on his calf, but it’s nothing serious.
“I’ve been looking forward to getting Pedro, Cunha and Hwang on the pitch together, but it hasn’t happened yet. I’m disappointed for Cunha because he’s worked so hard. He gets our full support.
“Losing Semedo is a massive loss because he’s been unbelievably consistent and had an incredible season. We’re pushing hard to get them all back.”
O’Neil has repeatedly outlined his frustration after seeing an already small squad further depleted in recent weeks, with Wolves’ season looking likely to fizzle out from a promising position.
He says this summer’s transfer window will be a crucial one to ensure they are not caught short again next term.
“Now everyone is beginning to see the weaknesses in the way the group has been structured,” he added. “I’m looking forward to the summer to address those areas.”
Moutinho magic at Molineux ⏮️#WOLARS | @MNEGlobal pic.twitter.com/PYdTjbF1OG
— Wolves (@Wolves) April 19, 2024
