Wolves defender Nelson Semedo has failed to give assurances he will be fit for the start of 2022/23.
The 28-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in the 3-0 defeat to Brighton back in April, for which he required surgery.
The star suffered a tear, and has been recuperating and been on crutches.
It was a real shame for Semedo and Wolves, as he had only just returned from another hamstring injury he picked up against Arsenal in February.
Prior to that setback, Semedo had been enjoying a fantastic season.
The star had been playing pretty much every game, and had been showing a very good level under Bruno Lage.
He had been getting into some fantastic position at right wing-back, and undoubtedly should have had quite a few goals to his name.
Not only was Semedo a dangerous outlet, his defending had also improved a lot compared to his first season.
It is hoped that Semedo will be fit in time for the new season. But the player has cast doubt on that, stating that he will not rush his recovery.
He said (Express & Star): “I don’t get many injuries so I knew something happened.
“I had to stop for five weeks and it was a bit frustrating because I was feeling good. We were having a good season so of course I wanted to play, but it’s part of the job.
“Unfortunately in the game with Brighton I had a total tear so I had to stop and have surgery.
“I’ve already started recovery to be able to play in eight weeks.
“Lets see if, at that time, I’m fit to play (at the start of the season). But I’m not rushing anything. Lets see how the injury goes, how I’m feeling and how the staff feel about it as well.
“It’s horrible (on crutches). I had to use them for three or four weeks and the brace for two weeks. I had to use them – I don’t like them but they helped me a lot. “It’s part of the recovery so I had to.”
Nelson Semedo injury is a big blow for Wolves
Hopefully Semedo will be back fit again in time for the start of the new season, because he has become a very important player for Wolves.
He was absolutely superb in the first half of 2022/23 and caused problems for a lot of teams. Earlier this year, Molineux legend Steve Bull described him as having been ‘frightening’ for Wanderers.
It is possible Semedo will be available for selection for that first game against Leeds United.
But he might well be lacking match fitness which the others will all have having gone through pre-season.
It would be no surprise to see someone like Jonny Castro Otto starting against the Whites. Or perhaps even Chiquinho.