Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has discussed the availability of Jorgen Strand Larsen ahead of Saturday’s crucial clash with Spurs.
The striker only returned to action last weekend against Leeds United, coming off the bench at half-time, before starting in the midweek cup encounter against West Ham.
Fans will be hoping to see him on the scoresheet against Tottenham, just as he managed last season.
Despite this, pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has given Wolves no chance of getting a result this weekend and has predicted Spurs to batter Wolves.
Since recovering from injury, Larsen is yet to complete 90 minutes in any game and manager Vitor Pereira has now cast doubt on whether he can go the full distance against Spurs.
Vitor Pereira says Jorgen Strand Larsen’s minutes need to be managed
Given the importance of the fixture, Pereira will want his talisman available, but he is cautious about risking a setback.
The Portuguese manager is under pressure, with fixtures now becoming more favourable on paper.
Larsen picked up slight discomfort in his Achilles against Manchester City on the opening day but played the following match, which aggravated the problem and sidelined him for two more weeks.
The Norwegian missed the two defeats against Everton and Newcastle United, and therefore managing his workload carefully is now a priority for Wolves.
As reported by journalist Liam Keen, Pereira has ruled out the idea of Larsen playing the entire match.
He said: “We are going step by step with him, tomorrow we will see his condition.
“He’s not 100% in condition for 90 minutes, but we must manage the time he can play.”
Clearly, the plan is to give him enough time on the pitch to influence the game while avoiding a further setback that could derail his recovery.
Larsen to start and Tolu Arokodare to impact off the bench
Larsen is expected to start again, just as he did against West Ham, with Pereira likely to replicate a similar strategy.
The Norwegian provided a focal point up front and stretched Everton with his runs in behind before being replaced by Tolu Arokodare in the latter stages.
Wolves’ new signing added the energy needed to see out the result and got himself on the scoresheet against tired legs.
Pereira could repeat the approach this weekend, using Larsen from the start while allowing Arokodare time to settle in and make an impact from the bench.
However, there is a chance Larsen and Arokodare could start together or be deployed simultaneously if Wolves adopt a more direct attacking approach.