Wolves are preparing to face off against European chasers Chelsea on Monday night.
On Wednesday, Wolves were beaten 3-0 by Newcastle, as Vitor Pereira’s men were outclassed by the quality of Alexander Isak.
Rather surprisingly, Pereira left Matheus Cunha out of the starting lineup after the 25-year-old returned from his two-match ban, instead opting with Hwang Hee-chan.
Hwang produced another shocking display and was withdrawn for the Brazilian at half-time, who made an instant difference in the match.
The 25-year-old added more attacking thrust and looked the most likely for the visitors to produce some magic in the final third.
Wolves 10-goal forward was nailed on to start against Chelsea on Monday however, the manager has now raised doubts over his fitness.
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Matheus Cunha misses training ahead of Chelsea vs Wolves
Speaking in Friday’s pre-match press conference Pereira confirmed, per Liam Keen on X, that Cunha had missed training through illness, raising doubts over his condition.
The Portuguese boss is hopeful he will train on Saturday and claims if he does, he could be in the starting lineup at Stamford Bridge.
Cunha scored a hat-trick against Chelsea the last time the two sides met in West London, as Wolves secured a famous 4-2 victory in February 2024.
This was at the height of Gary O’Neil’s tenure in charge when the Wanderers were hunting down a European spot and reached the fifth round of the FA Cup.
O’Neil’s time at Wolves ended disastrously in December following a 2-1 defeat against Ipswich however, the Englishman will always be credited for drawing the class out of Cunha.
Wolves will only stay up if Matheus Cunha stays fit
Wolves fans will be fearing the worst ahead of their clash against Chelsea, with it possible the ‘phenomenal’ Cunha, as dubbed by Max Kilman, could miss out through illness.
Cunha, who is wanted by Arsenal and many other big clubs in Europe, is the master talisman and chief creator in Pereira’s side.
| Matheus Cunha stats past year | Statistic |
| Games | 20 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Shots per 90 | 3.15 |
| Progressive passes per 90 | 4.29 |
| Successful take-ons per 90 | 2.31 |
| Shot-creating actions | 3.49 |
As delineated by the above table, the Brazilian sharp-shooter is crucial in every aspect of their attacking play and against Forest and the first half at Newcastle, it was evident how much Wolves struggled without him.
Supporters will be praying he stays beyond the January transfer window. It’s looking likely currently but Cunha is yet to sign a new contract despite an offer being placed on the table.