Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has issued an injury update on Mario Lemina, Hwang Hee-chan and Joao Gomes after the trio were forced to withdraw against Brighton yesterday evening.
Wolves are in dreamland after securing a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals following Wednesday night’s win over Brighton.
The 1-0 victory puts the Old Gold just one game away from Wembley, giving Gary O’Neil the chance to enjoy a successful cup run during his first season as manager.
A goal in the opening two minutes and some valiant defending guided Wolves towards victory on a special night at Molineux however, it wasn’t all rosy after the final whistle.
Wolves injury news after Brighton victory
It was Mario Lemina who netted the decisive goal for the hosts to send them to the quarter-finals although, the Gabon international’s night on the pitch ended early.
The 30-year-old suffered a painful-looking kick to his achilles during the game, which saw him eventually hobble off in the 56th minute alongside Hwang Hee-chan.
To add to Wolves’ concerns on the injury front, Joao Gomes was withdrawn just before time in what appeared to be some discomfort, with O’Neil giving a brief update on the trio.
As relayed by journalist Liam Keen, the manager dulled down the withdrawal of Lemina and Gomes but gave a concerning review on Hwang.
“Mario is fine, it was a kick. It should settle down. Channy’s is disappointing because this game should be on the weekend. He felt something in his hamstring but it’s small, nothing like Neto or Cunha.”
Gary O’Neil update on Hwang Hee-chan injury
Adding to his comment about the Korean’s hamstring woes, O’Neil admitted that he would be shocked if the striker would feature in Saturday’s clash with Newcastle United.
As quoted by journalist Nathan Judah, the boss said: “I’ll be amazed if Hwang plays against Newcastle.”
While it looks as though the manager isn’t concerned about the substitutions of his stellar midfield duo, Wolves could face another period without Hwang, who has had a shaky start to 2024.
The 28-year-old was in searing form before his exit to play in the Asia Cup with Korea, netting 10 goals and recording three assists in the first half of the Premier League season.
During his time on the international stage, the forward played five games for his country, four of which coming in the highly competitive cup tournament.
There has been a slight sense that Hwang has looked slightly fatigued since his return, with his injury against Brighton coming after a string of performances where he has looked unlike his usual self.
His expected absence will give the Wolves talisman the chance to rest and recover for the remainder of the season, giving O’Neil another job to manoeuvre in his small squad to cover for the 28-year-old.