Gary O’Neil has provided an injury update ahead of Woves’ FA Cup replay against Brentford, with one key player back for the clash.
Wolves face the Bees once again on Tuesday night as both sides look to progress into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
O’Neil’s side managed to salvage a 1-1 draw in the away tie as the 10-man side earned a replay thanks to Tommy Doyle’s strike.
Now, the side will be looking to continue their good home form and finish the job off. Wolves are currently on an eight-game unbeaten run at Molineux and have been playing some great football.
In the festive period, O’Neil oversaw a 2-1 victory over Chelsea as well as a brilliant 3-0 demolishing of Everton.
However, the stakes are even higher for this game as Wolves will face a trip to the Hawthorns if they progress.
Thankfully, before the tie, O’Neil had positive news on the injury front, with multiple key players now available for the tie.
Hugo Bueno injury latest
The Spaniard was unavailable for the last game against Brentford forcing Matt Doherty to play left wingback.
Rayan Ait-Nouri is currently away with Algeria for the AFCON meaning the return of Bueno was vital for this fixture.
Thankfully O’Neil confirmed to Wolves that the 21-year-old will be available for selection on Tuesday night.
He said: “Hugo Bueno trained a couple of times, maybe three times after his calf tightened up. He’ll be in the squad definitely. He’s obviously very important for us anyway, but especially with Rayan being away. Hugo’s fitness, getting him back up to speed is very important. He’ll be an important part of what we’re trying to do during the second half of the season, so we need him fit.”
Expected return: Brentford (January 16)
Craig Dawson injury latest
Again, like Hugo Bueno, Dawson was unavailable for selection in the last game. Thankfully, Santiago Bueno stepped up for the tie but Dawson’s return will certainly be a boost.
The centre-back had a great last game against Everton where he scored the host’s third goal of the match to wrap up the win.
Now, O’Neil is hopeful that the 33-year-old will be fit for the replay. He said: “’Daws’ has missed a few days’ training and hasn’t trained fully with the group, but he’s back available so will be involved as well.”
Expected return: Brentford (January 16)
Mario Lemina latest
Lemina has easily been one of Wolves’ best players this season. His form in December was sensational and has quickly become one of the most important footballers in the Premier League.
However, he has been absent in Wolves’ last two games due to the death of his father.
O’Neil has now confirmed that Lemina is back at the club after his leave. However, tomorrow may be too soon for him to return to the pitch
He said: “Mario’s back with the group today and it’s good to see him. The lads are pleased to have him back. We have an important run coming up and it was important that Mario was able to take the time that he needed, but now it’s really important that we have Mario the person back around the place and Mario the footballer back around the team.
“It’ll be a huge lift for us. We need to see where he’s at physically. He’s missed a few weeks now, but I’m hopeful that he’ll be involved again tomorrow, to get him back in the group, and see if we can get him fully back up to speed for the Brighton game.”
Expected return: Brighton (January 22)