All the latest Wolves injury news from Gary O’Neil and when fans can expect the return of their star players.
Wolves were unscathed in the first half of the campaign but since the turn of the year Gary O’Neil‘s side have endured an injury crisis.
The Wanderers were threatening to gate-crash the European places, although a glut of injuries to key attacking players has seen them go winless in their last four matches.
Unfortunately, after providing supporters with a positive update ahead of the Nottingham Forest clash, O’Neil has issued an update fans didn’t want to hear as they prepare to take on title contenders Arsenal.
Pedro Neto injury latest
In a season blighted by injury setbacks, with the latest coming in a 2-1 victory over Fulham, O’Neil did deliver some positive news on Pedro Neto ahead of Arsenal.
The 24-year-old has missed their last four matches with a hamstring injury. It was expected to keep him out for the remainder of the campaign, but the Portuguese superstar was spotted in training yesterday.
In his pre-match press conference, O’Neil dropped a positive update on the jet-heeled winger. Journalist Liam Keen reported he said: “Neto is doing well and on the grass. If everything goes well he should play before the end of the season.”
That would be a massive boost for Wolves, as while their European ambitions have slipped away, Neto is a player who can win them matches on his own.
Expected return: Liverpool (May 19)
Rayan Ait-Nouri injury latest
Rayan Ait-Nouri was absent from the matchday squad against Nottingham Forest. Having carried the Wanderers through an injury crisis by starring in attack, the talented Algerian was a huge miss at the City Ground.
O’Neil said the 22-year-old felt some “discomfort” after last weekend’s 2-2 draw, giving that as his reason for excluding him from the squad.
Fortunately, the Wolves boss does think he’ll be fit enough to make the bench against Arsenal, saying: “Rayan could be available for the bench.”
Expected return: Arsenal (April 20)
Nelson Semedo injury latest
Nelson Semedo has played almost every game for Wolves this term. The 30-year-old has enjoyed a tremendous campaign at right wing-back, but recently, the lack of rest has caught up with him.
In the draw against Forest, Semedo trudged off in the 88th minute and O’Neil admitted after the game that the Portuguese defender was exhausted, claiming both hamstrings had tightened up.
This is due to having such a thin squad and not being able to rotate as Wolves continue to pay the price for their lack of investment.
Sadly, Semedo hasn’t recovered from that problem and will miss tomorrow’s clash against the Gunners.
Expected return: Unknown
Craig Dawson injury latest
Craig Dawson has been a huge miss to Wolves with Santiago Bueno deputising for the veteran centre-back.
The former West Ham ace last played in the 3-0 defeat against Newcastle due to a groin injury, although he was named on the bench against Forest but wasn’t risked.
With O’Neil since confirming he’s had an operation on that problem, the fixture against Arsenal will come too soon and he isn’t likely to feature for the remainder of the campaign.
Expected return: Unknown
Hwang Hee-Chan injury latest
Hwang Hee-Chan has been robbed of playing much football for Wolves in 2024. He went off to Asia Cup duty at the start of the year, returned for two matches in the Premier League and then went off injured against Brighton.
It’s been a long road to recovery for the South Korean striker, capping his return to action with a 31-minute cameo against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
O’Neil is still managing his minutes following injury, stating he’ll only play him for 45 minutes tops.
Expected return: Arsenal (April 20)
Matheus Cunha injury latest
Matheus Cunha helped Wolves break a record last weekend. His two goals against Forest saw the Wanderers boast two players reach double figures in a single campaign.
It was the Brazilian’s first start since returning from injury, with Alan Shearer admitting he looks a completely different player under O’Neil.
Unfortunately, their joy of watching Cunha take to the pitch again was short-lived as he suffered a kick to his calf against Forest and damaged the muscle.
It means he’s out of contention to play against Arsenal which is a huge blow given how important he is to this side, especially given the lack of depth up top.
Expected return: Unknown
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde injury latest
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has had limited opportunities to shine, though he has looked promising when thrown into the starting XI, particularly against Liverpool.
Those opportunities have evaporated recently as the Frenchman battles back from an injury suffered against Fulham.
O’Neil did provide an update on the talented attacker, claiming he’s still out and won’t likely feature again till next season.
Expected return: Unknown