Recent developments mean Wolves have just two players going to the African Cup of Nations this month.
It has been a disappointing week for everyone in the Wolves dressing room, but even more so for two AFCON hopefuls who are being left at home.
Marshall Munetsi’s controversial exclusion from the Zimbabwe squad was put down to administrative errors, and Tolu Arokodare hasn’t been selected by Nigeria.
It must be a Wolves thing too, because Jackson Tchatchoua was also omitted from the Cameroon squad. That means just Emmanuel Agbadou and Tawanda Chirewa are heading to the tournament.
Still, the departure of Agbadou in particular could provide a window of opportunity for a couple of players.
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 🤔
Yerson Mosquera
Rob Edwards has used same back three in each of Wolves’ last four games, made up of Agbadou, Toti Gomes, and Yerson Mosquera.
Mosquera’s performance against Arsenal was tarnished by that sickening own-goal, but in the main, it was a strong display that Andy Thompson deemed deserving of Player of the Match.
It might seem strange to say it’s an opportunity when he has been a regular in the side, but it’s more the responsibility that is set to increase.
With Agbadou gone, Mosquera’s importance to the back line grows. He has shown flashes of quality since returning from a long period on the sideline, but the next few weeks will tell us if he can be a mainstay in Edwards’ side.
Santiago Bueno
Santiago Bueno has gone through pretty much the exact opposite. Vitor Pereira trusted him often in the back line, but his fortunes have worsened since the arrival of Edwards.
Where Mosquera’s place in the side becomes more significant, Bueno will be happy just to get back in the lineup during AFCON.
Wolves have not covered themselves in glory defensively this season. There are no undisputable starters at centre-back now, apart from maybe Ladislav Krejci when he’s fit — but he could also be in midfield.
Chirewa is not a regular first-team player, so really, Agbadou’s absence is the only opportunity for big changes during the tournament.
There is one player, though, whose snub could actually be a blessing in disguise.
Tolu Arokodare
While his opportunity is despite AFCON rather than because of it, Tolu might be the biggest Wolves winner over the next few weeks.
Fill in the blank: Tolu Arokodare will finish the season on ___ goals for Wolves…
The Nigerian striker is on three across all competitions so far ⚽
Coming off a first Premier League goal against Arsenal at the weekend, the Nigerian centre-forward’s achievement will have been tainted by the news that he won’t be representing his country.
That could actually be a good thing, though. With Jorgen Strand Larsen still completely out of form, the door is open for Tolu to go in and take that spot.
If he had gone to AFCON, he wouldn’t have the chance to build on the current momentum he will have after opening his Wolves account — and potentially displace the Norwegian.
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