Wolves must now proceed without centre-back Emmanuel Agbadou, who is joining up with the Ivory Coast for AFCON.
At one point, it had looked as though Wolves’ squad was going to be affected by the tournament fairly significantly.
But Jackson Tchatchoua wasn’t called up by Cameroon, and Tolu Arokodare was also overlooked by Nigeria.
Marshall Munetsi was due to go with Zimbabwe, but Wolves have apparently not given permission with the player injured. The club supposedly haven’t corresponded with the Zimbabwean FA.
So only two Wolves players are going; Emmanuel Agbadou, and Tawanda Chirewa.
Agbadou has been a regular starter for Wolves under Rob Edwards, who will now need to make a change – and here’s how he should set up.
What Edwards’ Wolves defence should look like without Agbadou
There are a number of things Edwards could do with Agbadou leaving the squad for the next few weeks.
Obviously, since his arrival Edwards has been fairly loyal to the three-man defence system, with wing-backs.
Perhaps there is scope for Edwards to move to a back four, which is not something he is unfamiliar with.
But there is the notion that Wolves bought players in the summer with a back three and wing-backs system in mind.
If we are to assume that Edwards will still keep the same formation, then perhaps a three of Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejci and Toti Gomes is the way to go.
Tell us the Wolves defence you now want to see, with Agbadou leaving for AFCON!
Stick with a back three? A Krejci and Bueno partnership perhaps? Let us know in the comments 🤔
Earlier in the season, Vitor Pereira played Bueno and Krejci together at the heart of a back four – and they looked good together.
Perhaps it is now time to restore the Uruguayan to the backline. Wolves have got two points this season and they both came when Bueno was starting at the back.
He could play on the right of the three, with Krejci in the middle and Toti on the left.
Yerson Mosquera has had some good moments this season, but has been inconsistent. He’s actually also suspended for Wolves’ next game against Brentford after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season.
Krejci could do with moving back into the defence as he doesn’t look quite as effective in midfield. Really, the third midfielder, if there is to be one, should be someone like Fer Lopez to play ahead of Andre and Joao Gomes.
- READ MORE: Who is Emmanuel Agbadou? Everything you need to know about Wolves’ commanding centre-back
Agbadou leaving is untimely for Wolves
He started the season horrendously, but Agbadou now departing for AFCON is a bit untimely.
In the last few games, he has undoubtedly picked up his level, although he is still not close to that formidable player he showed himself to be last term.
But certainly, him leaving now isn’t ideal for Edwards and it will be really interesting to see how he covers the Ivorian’s absence.
If Agbadou is sold in January, how would you rate his spell at Wolves out of 10? Let us know in the comments!
The Ivorian reportedly wants to leave 🤔
Bueno will surely be looking to make a big impression in training this week.
He didn’t do a great deal wrong to lose his place a few weeks back, but there is definitely an opening now with Agbadou departing and Mosquera being suspended.
Matt Doherty will also be an option for Edwards, but Bueno has shown the better level this season and has that good understanding with Krejci.
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