Gary O’Neil has given another update on Pedro Neto’s injury situation as he remains hopeful of Rayan Ait-Nouri’s return in West Ham vs Wolves.
Wolves travel to the capital on Sunday to face down the Hammers. It is a chance for the club and O’Neil to prove that they can once again compete against a team in the top half.
Despite overseeing four points in his last two games against Burnley and Nottingham Forest, fans were less than impressed with the performances. However this weekend, Wolves have to be at their best if they are to come away with a victory.
While West Ham suffered a massive 5-0 loss to Fulham on the weekend, they are still a European outfit. The Hammers competed in the Europa League on Thursday night which may give Wolves a slight advantage due to fatigue.
In addition to this, O’Neil has confirmed that two star players should be fit for the showdown as the festive period gets underway.
Pedro Neto injury update
After a sensational start to the season, Wolves’ star man has been out since the 2-2 draw with Newcastle.
There were hopes that he may be able to return quite quickly after the last international break. However, the 23-year-old has now been out of action for the last five games.
In his latest press conference, O’Neil told Wolves: “Pedro’s not training with the group just yet, so the West Ham game he won’t be involved in. But we’re really hopeful he’ll be in the squad for the Chelsea game, all being well. If he isn’t in the matchday squad for Chelsea, it doesn’t mean there’s been a setback, it just means he hasn’t been able to tick off all the things.
“He’s really close, but with the nature of the injury, being close is still not enough. We need to make sure that he’s right, but if everything goes perfectly between now and then, I am hopeful that he will be seen before Christmas, that doesn’t mean that he necessary will, but if all goes to plan then we will have Pedro available for the Chelsea game.”
Expected return: Chelsea (December 24)
Rayan Ait-Nouri injury update
Another star player who has been injured.
Ait-Nouri has been undoubtedly missed since his injury away to Fulham. Hugo Bueno has covered for Algerian since but hasn’t been able to match his counterpart’s performances.
The 22-year-old has been one of Wolves’ most important players this campaign and his missing presence certainly cost O’Neil’s side.
However, the manager confirmed that the full-back will be fit for the game against West Ham.
“Rayan should be back because he came through training well, so will be available, the rest of the lads are all ok,” O’Neil added.
Expected return: West Ham (December 17)
Mario Lemina injury update
The midfielder was forced off the field in the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on the weekend. Without his presence, Wolves were unable to keep the dominance from the first-half and had to settle for a draw.
Lemina has easily been one of Wolves’ best players so far this season and won the Player of the Month for November.
Thankfully, O’Neil confirmed that the midfielder would be fit for the weekend after a hamstring injury.
Expected return: West Ham (December 17)