Wolves have released some new training photos today – and Joao Moutinho is back on the grass at Compton Park.
The 35-year-old midfielder has missed the club’s first two games against Leeds United and Fulham after picking up an injury just before the clash with the Whites.
Lage suggested it was a rather ‘strange’ injury that had sidelined Moutinho.
Apparently, he went to kick the ball with his left foot in training and jarred it.
It led Lage to tell journalists in his pre-match press conference (via Birmingham Mail): “I said to him ‘why are you shooting with your left foot? Don’t shoot!'”
The club had hoped it would be a case of days out rather than weeks.
And it appears Wolves need not have any major concerns now, with Moutinho back in training.
It looks as though he joined in with the rest of his teammates, too, which is a great sign.
Potentially, Wolves could end up with a very strong bench on Saturday for the game against Tottenham Hotspur.
It remains to be seen if Bruno Lage will bring Moutinho straight back into his starting XI.
He is a huge fan of the veteran and would probably love to restore him.
But it would be harsh of the manager to drop Leander Dendoncker, who has made a bright start to 2022/23, with no player in the Premier League making more interceptions than him across the first two games (9).
Moutinho may therefore have to make do with a place in the bench.
Especially since Wolves are about to announce the signing of Matheus Nunes.
Great news for Wolves as Joao Moutinho returns to training
It is a relief to see Moutinho back training again.
He may not be handed a start on Saturday, but him being on the bench would still be a real positive for Wolves.
With Conor Coady no longer in the picture, Moutinho is perhaps the main leader of the group now.
It is important that he is fit and present, for the good of the dressing room.