Wolves have 15 players away on national team duty, and winger Jhon Arias is one of those names.
The winger started for the Colombian national team as they went on to win 3-0 in World Cup qualifying against Bolivia.
Arias’ performance received praise from the Colombian media who said his addition to the starting XI brought the ‘freshness’ the national team needed.
Despite the praise from the media, the manager of the national team did something involving the Wolves man that left fans furious.
Colombian fans criticise manager for taking Jhon Arias off and not using him correctly
While Jhon Arias’ performance was lauded by both fans and the media, Colombian manager Nestor Lorenzo only gave him 60 minutes.
This came much to the annoyance of supporters of Los Cafeteros.
One Colombian fan reacted to Arias being substituted saying ‘No way, Lorenzo’s first change can’t be Jhon Arias, ugh.’
Meanwhile another had the same sentiment but questioned Lorenzo on where he played Arias, saying, ‘Incredible that a coach doesn’t find a player like Jhon Arias useful and keeps him as the first substitute. Doesn’t he know where to place him, or doesn’t James give him permission?’
Another reacted to the 60th minute change saying, ‘Incredible that Jhon Arias doesn’t work out for Lorenzo, and he puts Campaz on the right. What brutality.’
One fan reacted to suggestions that Arias’ time with the national team is coming to an end by stating, ‘Has Jhon Arias completed his cycle? He just barely started! Hahahah, what he’s saying would be even worse.’
Overall, Colombian fans were angry with Nestor Lorenzo for substituting Jhon Arias. At the time of the change, the game was still in the balance at 1-0.
They felt that Arias could have still impacted the game, and based on the praise he is receiving, they are likely right.
Jhon Arias stats vs Bolivia
Jhon Arias was very active in the opposition half against Bolivia with 20% of his touches coming in the opponents’ box.
Fans were clearly excited by the performance, and that bodes well for Wolves, who are hoping for the winger to hit the ground running when he returns.
| Stat | Total |
| Minutes | 60 |
| Touches | 29 |
| Touches in opposition box | 6 |
| Duels won (%) | 3/3 (100%) |
Arias needs time to adapt, but Wolves might not have time, with the Old Gold languishing bottom of the Premier League with zero points.
Colombia play against Venezuela on Wednesday, 10th of September, and all eyes will be on Arias.
If the winger can continue where he left off against Bolivia, then he could bring that form back to England with him.
And Wolves need that desperately.