Wolves travel to Manchester City in the Premier League on Friday night, and Jorgen Strand Larsen was a notable absentee from the squad.
Wolves head into the clash at the Etihad Stadium in remarkable form, having won their previous six Premier League matches.
A 3-0 win for Wolves against Leicester City on Saturday saw them achieve that feat for the first time since 1970, although the chances of extending that record against City looked slim.
The Old Gold have lost eight of their previous nine meetings with the Citizens but considering their current form, it was clear to see why Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Wolves ahead of kick-off.
Following their incredible run and how the team were playing under Vitor Pereira, it was expected to be an unchanged lineup from the side that beat Leicester however, they were denied that privilege.
Why Jorgen Strand Larsen missed Wolves clash against Man City
Jorgen Strand Larsen has been amazing for Wolves in the past two months, with the Norwegian hitting six goals in his last six appearances.
Strand Larsen scored against Leicester last time out to take his tally to 13, equalling Raul Jimenez’s debut campaign at Molineux.
With a blend of aerial ability, physicality in duels and clinical finishing, the 25-year-old has become an integral player for Pereira and arguably irreplaceable.
Wolves don’t have another natural number nine, so when he was missing from the team sheet against City, fans will have been concerned.
However, it has now been revealed by journalist Liam Keen that Strand Larsen is missing from the squad due to suffering a slight groin knock, with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde replacing him.
Matheus Cunha’s opportunity as a number nine
Bellegarde coming into the starting lineup as one of two number 10s, Marshall Munetsi being the other, suggests Matheus Cunha will lead the line for Wolves.
Cunha’s best qualities are used in the free role position behind the striker usually, as it means the Brazilian can flex his technical qualities and have a huge hand in the creativity.
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The 25-year-old grabbed two assists against Leicester in his preferred position as a number 10, and that is where he’s most dangerous.
The former Atletico Madrid hitman has played as a striker previously for the Old Gold, but he can often get fazed out of games and lose out physically against centre-backs.
It will be interesting to see how he operates against City tonight, as it’s a rare chance to play the number nine role in the absence of Strand Larsen.