Wolves manager Julen Loptegui has admitted it’s not easy right now for Boubacar Traore to get minutes.
The midfielder is one of only a few players yet to play under the new manager.
Traore signed for Wolves last summer, on loan from FC Metz.
He joined the club on deadline day, with Wolves officials actually flying over to France to oversee his medical.
Traore had to be patient for chances at Molineux. But he started to really show promise just before the season suspended for the World Cup.
He hit a fantastic winner against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup, which is probably his best moment for the club to date.
But Traore then picked up an injury while out in Marbella with the squad, just before the Premier League was going to start up again.
He ended up undergoing surgery, and Traore – who will be signed permanently by Wolves this summer for just under £10 million – has not been able to get any minutes under Lopetegui yet.
He’s been back in training for weeks now. But the manager just hasn’t been able to find a place for him. And Lopetegui admits the situation is tricky.
He said (Express & Star): “He’s one other midfielder and he has the possibility (to play). It’s not easy for him because he has been out for three months and now he has more competition in his position.”
The January arrivals of Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes have undoubtedly complicated things for Traore.
The former has become a vital player for Wolves, playing at pretty much every opportunity.
And Gomes has just started to see a few more minutes of late and looks a top prospect.
Boubacar Traore will have more prominence for Wolves next season
It has been a frustrating past few months for Traore, who is probably itching to impress the manager.
He was in a great moment just before the World Cup. Now, he has slipped into the shadows somewhat at Molineux.
It is unfortunate for him, but his time will come again. Wolves are said to be very excited about him and Gomes in particular.
In the summer, Ruben Neves will probably leave, and there’s a chance Joao Moutinho could also not extend his contract.
Assuming club officials don’t want to loan him out, then Traore will be an important player next season.