Gary O’Neil has provided a full injury update ahead of Aston Villa vs Wolves with the possibility of multiple first-teamers being out.
Wolves face another big test on Saturday as they take on West Midlands rivals Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The two sides have had contrasting starts to the new Premier League season. Villa have won three of their first four league matches and saw out a 3-0 victory in the Champions League in the week.
In comparison, Wolves are yet to find a Premier League victory so far this season and have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
Now going into the tie, O’Neil was able to update fans on the fitness of three key players, including Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Read more: Relive Wolves’ greatest victories over Aston Villa.
Rayan Ait-Nouri – injury update
Over recent seasons, Ait-Nouri has become one of Wolves’ most important players.
The left-back regularly excites the Molineux crowd with his quick feet and attacking prowess. However, since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, the Algerian has struggled.
Ait-Nouri was missing from Wednesday night’s defeat to Brighton in the Carabao Cup after he picked up a knock.
Now O’Neil has confirmed that the wing-back may not be available for Saturday’s derby either.
He stated that he would need to ‘check-in’ on Ait-Nouri but he still has a bit to do if he is to make the Villa game.
Expected return: Liverpool (September 28)
Toti Gomes – injury update
As with many in the Wolves squad so far this season, Toti Gomes has also struggled to find consistent form.
At the start of the campaign, the Portuguese international was utilised as a centre-back with Yerson Mosquera. However, after eight goals were shipped in two games, he was then pushed to left-back.
Alongside Ait-Nouri, Gomes has picked up a knock since the Newcastle defeat which ruled him out for the Brighton match.
Heading into the Villa game, O’Neil believed that the defender is in the same boat as his Algerian teammate and he will have to make an assessment today on whether he can play.
Expected return: Liverpool (September 28)
Boubacar Traore – injury update
The final player who is currently out for the tie is Boubacar Traore. Traore picked up a nasty injury in Wolves’ 2-0 victory over Burnley in the Carabao Cup back in August.
As a result, the midfielder was forced off of the pitch and has not been on the field since.
On Friday, O’Neil was able to provide an update on Traore progress and when he expected him to return.
He said: “Boubacar [Traore] is still out; he is on crutches at the moment. He had a repair to the joint surface of his knee and he will probably be out until around Christmas.”
Expected return: January 2025