Wolves were beaten 3-1 last night in their latest pre-season friendly against RC Lens, but there was no sign of new signing Jhon Arias.
Arias became Wolves’ second signing of the summer on July 24, joining from Fluminense.
The move went through after some initial concern, with Arias actually completing his medical in Paris.
Arias did not immediately link up with the team with journalist Felipe Sierra reporting (via Info Bae) that the player hadn’t obtained a work permit.
Arias has also been involved at the Club World Cup and before that, was in the middle of the Brazilian season with Fluminense. So potentially, Wolves have also been keen not to overload him.
But last night, ahead of Wolves’ game with Lens, journalist Liam Keen shared an update on Arias regarding his integration.
Jhon Arias to train with Wolves for the first time this morning and will fly to Girona
Some have been wondering where Arias is, and why he was not involved against Lens.
Director of professional football at Wolves Domenico Teti could be heard telling Arias to come to Wolverhampton on the 30th, ready to train on the 31st.
Following that, journalist Liam Keen confirmed on X last night: “Jhon Arias will train with Wolves for the first time tomorrow morning before the team fly off to Girona for their final pre-season trip of the summer.”
Wolves’ next pre-season game is against Girona on Sunday, and there is potential for Arias to get his first minutes in an old gold shirt.
Failing that, Wolves play against Celta Vigo on August 9 when he could make his debut.
Wolves look like they already need Arias
Wolves have yet to win in pre-season, so Arias finally joining up with the squad is most welcome.
Big things are expected of the Colombian, as he is coming in as a more experienced player who is about to come into his prime years.
The hope is that he hits the ground running as quickly as possible.
Potentially, Arias could help Jorgen Strand Larsen become more dangerous for Wolves, and fans just hope that he can bring a bit of extra punch in the final third.
It will be exciting to get a look at him, potentially against Girona and more than likely against Celta Vigo, and hopefully he’ll be raring to start that first game against Manchester City.