Why Neves is not in Wolves’ matchday squad to face Southampton

Ruben Neves will miss Wolves’ clash with Southampton at Molineux today.

The Portugal international played last time out against Sheffield United but Leander Dendoncker and Joao Moutinho will anchor the midfield against the Saints.

Wolves’ matchday blog has confirmed that Neves has tested positive for Covid earlier this week and that is why he is missing out.

Journalist Tim Spiers also stated that update, when posting the team news for the game.

That may mean that Luke Cundle or Bruno Jordao may get a game off the bench if Bruno Lage needs to make a change in his engine room.

Toti Gomes will make his Wolves debut at the back, with no Marcal in the squad and Dendoncker obviously needed in the midfield.

Every Wolves game since November 6 – when they lost 2-0 at Crystal Palace – has featured one or zero goals – and it remains to be seen if that record changes today.

Neves will be a big miss given his recent form, but Lage will hope that Dendoncker and Moutinho can control the centre of the pitch as Wolves look to carry on riding the wave of their recent good results and performances.

• Rob Edwards gives telling Jorgen Strand Larsen verdict after FA Cup hat-trick for Wolves
• What Rob Edwards did on 95 minutes for Wolves against Everton was very significant
• Rob Edwards picks out the two Wolves players who changed the game in Everton draw
• Rob Edwards makes ‘impossible’ Wolves transfer claim and shares Jorgen Strand Larsen latest
• Rob Edwards speaks on Pedro Lima’s Wolves future as decision made ahead of Everton clash