Gary O’Neil has provided a team update on the Wolves squad ahead of their trip to Brighton with news on Matheus Cunha.
Wolves finally return to Premier League action on Monday for the first time in 2024. A mixture of FA Cup clashes and the winter break has prevented O’Neil’s side from returning to league action.
The Molineux side finished 2023 on a high in the Premier League as they won three consecutive games including victories over Chelsea and Everton. This has now only put them four points off the European places.
Monday night’s clash will certainly be a difficult one. Wolves traditionally struggled against Brighton and lost 6-0 the last time they visited the Amex stadium.
O’Neil’s first game at Molineux was also against the Seagulls as his side lost 4-1 right at the start of the season.
However, the manager will be hopeful that Wolves can pull off a big result and has received several boosts before the game in the injury department.
Matheus Cunha injury news
Cunha has been one of Wolves’ best players recently. The attacker has finally been showing his true colours in Old Gold as he is now consistently getting goal contributions.
In just Wolves’ last game, Cunha assisted Nathan Fraser’s equaliser before netting the winner in extra time from the penalty spot.
However, late in the game, it was clear that the Brazilian was struggling to stay on the pitch before he was taken off late in the tie.
Wolves are currently low on central attackers after both Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic were sent out on loan. Nathan Fraser has stepped up recently but he is still only 18 years old.
Fortunately for Wolves fans, O’Neil confirmed in Friday’s pre-match press conference that the attacker should be fit to face Brighton on Monday night.
He told Wolves: “We’re OK. Nobody missed training today. Matheus Cunha managed to join in most of it. Some of the boys came out of training slightly early because they played a long time the other night, but everyone was out there”
Joao Gomes still suspended
The midfielder has been a rock for Wolves so far this season. Joao Gomes has produced multiple stunning performances so far this campaign. When Wolves beat Brentford in late December, the Brazilian arguably had his best game in Old Gold as they beat the Bees 4-1.
However, the midfielder has been out of contention recently due to his red card against Brentford in the FA Cup. This means he is currently serving a three-match suspension.
The 22-year-old missed his first game in the replay on Tuesday night. From here, he will miss another two games, including Monday night’s fixture against Brighton.
Joe Hodge came in the last game to replace the midfielder. Wolves are currently short in that department due to multiple players being called up for the AFCON and the Asian Cup.
Thankfully, O’Neil believes that Mario Lemina alongside Pedro Neto may well be fit enough to start against Brighton.