Julen Lopetegui has provided an update on Chiquinho, with Wolves now having just four games left this season.
The winger has missed the entire campaign so far, after suffering a serious knee injury last summer.
Chiquinho sustained knee ligament damage in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley.
At the time, a picture did the rounds on social media of the moment it happened, and fans knew instantly he would be out for a long time.
Chiquinho has been back in training for Wolves, leading to some getting excited about a potential return soon.
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But Lopetegui has suggested that that will be unlikely. He said (Express & Star): “He’s starting to work with the rest of the team in training sessions, but he’s so far to be able to play in this moment.”
“We will see. We have days in front of us and we have to be ready, but it’s not easy.
“He’s starting working with us and he has to increase (his workload), it’s normal. He’s been out for a long time and it’s not easy. Now, he has to work very hard. It’s about time.”
Chiquinho was included in Wolves’ updated Premier League squad after the January transfer window, so he can be called upon by Lopetegui.
That’s unlike Sasa Kalajdzic, Wolves’ other long-term injury absentee. The striker was not included, as it was felt he was further behind Chiquinho in his recovery journey.
Wanderers final games this season are against Aston Villa, Manchester United, Everton and Arsenal.
Fans would love to get a glimpse of Chiquinho before the season is out.
The £3 million signing from Estoril was arguably Wolves’ best player in the final games of last season.
Wolves must not Chiquinho’s return, Lopetegui has plenty of wide option
So it looks as though if Chiquinho is to return, he will probably only feature in the final game.
From these comments it sounds as though the winger still isn’t particularly close to a return, which is a shame.
Fans would love to see him get a few minutes before the season is out.
But Wolves should not risk Chiquinho just to get him in front of the fans.
There is no need to rush him back when there are plenty of wide options available to Lopetegui.