Match

Lage comments on injuries to Ait-Nouri and Hwang

Wolves manager Bruno Lage has commented on the injuries to Rayan Ait-Nouri and Hwang Hee-Chan after the 1-0 win at Brighton.

Ait-Nouri was initially named in Lage’s starting eleven but had to pull out between the team news being confirmed and kick-off.

Hwang started the game but had to come off in the first half and Lage was asked about both of them by club media after the match.

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“Rayan felt a little problem and when he came inside and I saw his face, I didn’t feel he was confident, so I made that decision,” said Lage.

“I didn’t need to wait for the doctor for his opinion because when you see his face, you don’t see he’s confident to start the game.

“That’s why I said December and January will be a big challenge for us, for our squad, and I said I want everyone ready, and the players are ready. Marcal did very well.

On Hwang, all Lage said was: “We’re still waiting. For now, I cannot say anything more.”

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It is clear that it is a waiting game and Lage will hope for good news on both players.

Hwang and Ait-Nouri have been among Wolves’ better performers this season; the forward shone in the early part of the season and the young defender has shone recently.

As Lage eluded to, Wolves have a thin squad and the current situation and run of fixtures puts real strain on their resources.

Losing two big players at this stage would be a hammer blow, so it is a case of keeping fingers crossed for good news.