With Wolves preparing to host Man United on Thursday, Gary O’Neil has been handed a boost as multiple players have been confirmed to return for the fixture.
The Molineux club are preparing to play just their second Premier League match of 2024 tomorrow as they host the Red Devils. The winter break and FA Cup have prevented O’Neil’s side from playing league games more regularly so far this year.
However, this has not caused any issues with form. Wolves are sitting on an seven match unbeaten run in all competitions as well as eight unbeaten at Molineux.
This has seen the club play their best football in years, far and away from the form O’Neil’s side was under at the start of the campaign.
Now, as they prepare to face Man United, O’Neil was pleased to inform fans that three players have returned to the first-team picture for the tie.
Joao Gomes returns for Wolves v Man United
The Brazilian maestro was in fine form at the end of 2023. Joao Gomes helped Wolves achieve back-to-back-to-back Premier League wins as O’Neil’s side swept multiple opponents away.
However, at the start of 2024, a red card against Brentford in the FA Cup halted his game time for the rest of January. The midfielder missed the replay against Brentford as well as games against Brighton and West Brom.
Tommy Doyle has since kept his place in the starting XI and has helped the side out with magical performances.
However, O’Neil may now have a selection headache on Thursday as Joao Gomes returns from his suspension.
With Mario Lemina, Tommy Doyle and Joao Gomes now all available, the manager has a tough decision to make against Man United.
Rayan Ait-Nouri latest
Alongside Joao Gomes, Ait-Nouri has also been out of the first-team picture in recent weeks. The full-back was called up to the Algerian squad for AFCON at the start of the year. However, he has now returned to England after they were eliminated in the groups.
Ait-Nouri made his comeback to the side as a substitute in the West Brom victory. In his brief time on the pitch, O’Neil deployed the Algerian as a winger with Matt Doherty remaining as the wing-back.
This week, the manager confirmed that Ait-Nouri is now fit to start the upcoming game against Man United after being at the club for a full week. However, it remains to be seen if O’Neil chooses to start him.
Pablo Sarabia injury latest
Despite his magical recent form, Pablo Sarabia unfortunately had to miss out on the 2-0 victory over West Brom on Sunday. O’Neil confirmed last week that the winger had picked up a knock after the 0-0 draw with Brighton.
Bellegarde then started against the Baggies put didn’t have the same impact as the Spaniard.
However, O’Neil delivered some good news on Wednesday as he confirmed that Sarabia would be fit for Man United.
He told Wolves: “Pablo’s back fit. Joao is obviously back from suspension and fit. Rayan’s fit to start. We’re pretty good, fortunately.”