Wolves are taking on Chelsea on Christmas Eve, and Gary O’Neil has today been speaking about the possibility of Pedro Neto playing in the game.
Neto, 23, has not been available for selection since getting injured for Wolves in the game against Newcastle United at the end of October.
The Portuguese star had been superb up until his setback, and fans have been patiently waiting for his return.
Last week, Neto had resumed individual training and this week, he has returned to training with his teammates at Compton Park, with Wolves releasing a picture this morning.
Now, Gary O’Neil has shared if he could be involved this weekend…
Gary O’Neil hints Pedro Neto will get minutes against Chelsea
O’Neil faced the media today ahead of Wolves’ match with Chelsea at Molineux.
Following the pictures of Neto being back in training, it was always likely that he would be asked about the player ahead of the weekend.
O’Neil gave a positive update about Neto, saying: “Pedro [Neto]’s back training and has trained the full week with the lads, so we’ll see how he goes during the next two days to how much involvement he can have at the weekend. But training’s going well, he feels good, so let’s see how he is come Sunday.”
So far this season, Neto has made 10 appearances for Wolves.
He remains joint-top of the Premier League assists chart, having got seven.
Neto set for the bench?
So it looks as though Neto is going to be a part of Wolves’ matchday squad this weekend against Chelsea given what O’Neil has said today.
He’s been training with the squad all week, so that is undoubtedly a good sign.
Obviously, Neto has been out for nearly two months so you would imagine him starting is probably unlikely.
Having said that, Neto is no stranger to starting games for Wolves after returning from spells on the sidelines, rather than coming on as a substitute to begin with.
After suffering his ankle injury last season, Neto returned to the bench against Liverpool on March 1 (but didn’t play) and then surprisingly started against Tottenham Hotspur on March 4, although he did only play the first-half.
O’Neil would absolutely love to start him given how good he’s been this season, but it may be that he’s got to build up his minutes.