Jorgen Strand Larsen has opened up about his ongoing Achilles injury, making an admission that may actually be unhelpful to Wolves.
Jorgen Strand Larsen has sadly not been able to fire on all cylinders this season.
Fans had hoped that he would really step up to the plate following the sale of Matheus Cunha, having scored 14 non-penalty goals last season.
But so far he’s scored just two, with both coming in the Carabao Cup match against West Ham United back in August.
Unfortunately, Strand Larsen hasn’t been on top form for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, the service to the forwards this season has been really poor, with Wolves creating just five big chances so far in eight Premier League games.
But the main reason for Strand Larsen’s struggles has been the pesky Achilles injury he’s been carrying – and the Norwegian has now provided a fresh update on his condition.
- READ MORE: Who is Jorgen Strand Larsen? Meet the Wolves striker who has been compared to Erling Haaland
Jorgen Strand Larsen says his injury is almost gone after playing through pain barrier
Strand Larsen may well have left Wolves in the summer, with Newcastle United showing strong interest right at the end of the window.
He was open to the move, and Newcastle bid twice.
In the end though, Wolves stood firm and informed Strand Larsen he wouldn’t be sold to Newcastle.
Thankfully, Strand Larsen’s behaviour during that situation was exemplary, and the club then rewarded him with an improved contract.
He was ready to kick on, but this injury has really been hindering him.
Strand Larsen recently opened up about his injury, saying that he was even walking with a limp.
Now, the striker says the injury is feeling better, but also admits feeling pressure to play through pain due to Wolves’ worrying league position.
He said: “It’s really tough. It would be easier if we had 15, 20 points and I had three goals already, because I could probably rest a bit more, but I feel like I want to help the team. Some games you’re not perfectly fit, but you still want to help.
“But at the same time, he [Pereira] also knows that he’s got other options, so sometimes I come off earlier and I start on the bench, like I did in the cup once, and we’re trying to find the best way. But the good news is I’m feeling a lot better, and the past week has been a really good, and a really positive week for me.
“Achilles is not nice because it’s [affecting] every step you take, so obviously it’s a bit annoying, but at the same time, that’s not the reason why we haven’t won our games. It obviously helps if your striker is 100% fit, but I’m really close to being that now, and hopefully I can start making more damage like last season.
““It will get better. Already during the last three or four weeks I’ve been feeling a lot better – not at my at my best level, but that will take day by day to get a little bit better.
“Especially in training, I’ve been feeling a lot better this past week, so that also gave me confidence to come into the game, be a bit more free in my mind, to play a bit more freely.
Strand Larsen should not have been playing for Wolves whilst injured
While it is admirable that Strand Larsen has wanted to help the team during a very tough period, he should not have been playing as much as he has.
He has now started the last three Premier League games, and made very little impact. Many fans felt he was a total passenger in the 2-0 defeat to Sunderland.
As good as Strand Larsen can be, it is not good to be playing a player who is struggling and playing through pain.
Not only is there risk of aggravating the injury, but Wolves are using a half-fit player at the expense of someone who might do a better job.
Granted, Tolu Arokodare hasn’t been totally match fit recently. But Hwang Hee-chan has been available barring against Sunderland, against whom he missed out due to illness.
So while Strand Larsen means well by making himself available, it is also unhelpful for him to do so when it’s clear the injury stops him making an impact.
Thankfully though, it sounds like Strand Larsen’s condition has greatly improved recently and hopefully this injury will no longer be a problem.