Wolves defender Fernando Marcal has told supporters on Instagram he hopes to be fit again in two weeks.
The Brazilian has not been seen since the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, in which he had to be substituted off in the second half.
Marcal was struggling with a groin injury, and Nuno Espirito Santo recently revealed that the summer signing from Lyon required a small surgery for the issue.
It is a blow for Wolves, but Marcal’s return is not too far away.
The South American said on Instagram: “Many people don’t know it but I had to have an operation in the pubis a few weeks ago.
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“I am looking forward and I hope in 2 weeks I will be ready to put on this beautiful shirt again.”
If everything goes to plan, Marcal will miss games against Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Leicester City and possibly the FA Cup tie against Southampton.
It will mean Nuno will likely have to continue putting his faith in youngster Rayan Ait-Nouri at left-back/left wing-back.
Jonny Castro Otto is closing in on a return to first-team action having resumed full training, but he will need to build up his match fitness and it is currently unclear how close he is to a possible start.
Marcal’s absence is not ideal at the moment.
Ait-Nouri has shown some real promise, but there are question marks against the defensive side of his game.
Marcal absence a frustration
Since coming to the club, Marcal has demonstrated he has a no-nonsense style which makes him a good fit for the Premier League.
Having him as part of the backline is good in the interest of balance – with Nelson Semedo bombing on at right-back/right wing-back, Marcal tends to be a bit more conservative.
Hopefully all goes well with his recovery and the £35,000-a-week star (Spotrac) can return to the side in two weeks as he predicts.