Sam Johnstone was a notable absentee in Wolves’ 4-1 victory over Fulham on the weekend which sparked speculation regarding his future.
The goalkeeper came into the club late in the summer transfer window and started his first few games in Old Gold.
However, Jose Sa has since reclaimed the number one spot in the starting lineup which he has held since the 2-1 defeat to Man City.
Sa was expected to leave for Saudi Arabia in the summer but a move never materialised.
Therefore, Gary O’Neil has since insisted that Johnstone and Sa will compete for the goalkeeper spot. However, this has led to speculation from the Molineux faithful.
Liam Keen confirms that Sam Johnstone was ill for Fulham clash despite ‘convenient’ absence
Against Fulham, Johnstone was once again missing from the matchday squad with Dan Bentley taking his spot on the bench.
This caused speculation from the fanbase as it was the fourth time in five matches that the ‘keeper was not named on the bench since Sa had reclaimed his spot.
However, now Liam Keen has confirmed on the E&S Podcast that Johnstone was ill and he is not the ‘type of character to kick off’ after being dropped.
He said: “It is a really difficult situation because from a footballing point of view, Wolves and Gary O’Neil will be relatively happy. They have improved the competition and Jose Sa.
“From a purely footballing starting XI perspective, they are in a better position than they were previously.
“It’s about keeping that balance off the field as well because you have signed a goalkeeper for £10 million who has been ousted after five games, signed a four-year contract and is now not playing.
“Fans will straight away think it’s a bit conveniently placed that Johnstone is ill again.
“Everyone that we have spoken to has told us then he was genuinely ill and that he wasn’t available. We have to take that at face value.
“What we can say for certain is that he was back in training this week. I would expect him to be on the bench with Jose Sa starting [vs Bournemouth].
“I’m sure he is a bit peeved off because he is not playing. I don’t know him particularly well but from what I am told, he is not the type of character to kick off, so I’ll take that at face value but he will be desperate to play.”
Santiago Bueno and Craig Dawson both expected to return for Wolves vs Bournemouth
With Johnstone’s return expected on Saturday, he is not the only player who will be making their way back into the squad.
It is believed that Craig Dawson and Santiago Bueno will be available against Bournemouth after the duo were spotted in training.
On top of this, Pedro Lima could also make the matchday squad after recovering from a knock.
Pablo Sarabia’s situation is currently unknown but O’Neil stated after the Fulham game that he expects him to be available for the Cherries.