Wolves are back in Premier League action on Tuesday night and are looking to respond after losing 2-1 to Leicester City on Saturday.
Wanderers are now just six points above the relegation zone after the frustrating loss to the Foxes.
Matheus Cunha got Wolves off to a great start when he fired in from the edge of the penalty area.
But Jose Sa’s foul on Jamie Vardy allowed Telechi Iheanacho to equalise from the penalty area. This was the turning point in the match.
That, and Mario Lemina being forced off at half-time with an injury.
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Julen Lopetegui said after the game that Lemina will be assessed.
Journalist Liam Keen reported that the Gabon international was seen walking fine and without a limp after the game.
But one would imagine he won’t be available to face Palace on Tuesday.
Ruben Neves will likely come back in for him. And Joao Gomes was good again against Leicester, meaning that will probably be the midfield pairing against the Eagles.
But one wonders if the game against Palace might be an opportunity for Boubacar Traore.
The Malian midfielder has yet to play for Wolves since Julen Lopetegui came to the club.
His injury problems have been massively frustrating for him, given how promising he was looking just before the World Cup.
With Lemina looking like he’s a big doubt to face Palace, perhaps Traore could finally be in line for some minutes.
Crystal Palace game would be a good one for Boubacar Traore to return for Wolves
It is highly unlikely that Lopetegui will start Traore on Tuesday night.
Ultimately, the 21-year-old has not played a game since before the World Cup and will surely be lacking match sharpness.
He did recently turn out for the U21s, though.
Lopetegui has not selected him recently, despite the player having been back in training. But that will likely be because other players are just sharper right now.
If Lemina is not available on Tuesday, then he should be on the bench and hopefully he will be able to come on at some point.
Games with Palace are always physical battles.
Lemina not being able to play would be a hammer blow.
But Traore has the ideal profile to face the Eagles. It’s just a shame he hasn’t been able to get any Premier League minutes under his belt before this game.