Wolves face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium mere days after pulling off the heist of the century over Besiktas.
It’s the toughest Premier League match Nuno’s pack could have been thrown into after travelling 4,000 miles.
Nuno Espiritio Santo will have to utilise his already very thin squad, but one player who shouldn’t play is Diogo Jota.
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(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Why Diogo Jota shouldn’t play for Wolves Vs. Manchester City
Wolves made their own history in Istanbul on Thursday by beating Besiktas 1-0 in the Europa League group stages. Nuno’s men deserved the win thanks to their organisation, concentration, last minute push and lethal finishing.
Fatigue could be an issue for Wolves against Manchester City, but Raul Jimenez or Patrick Cutrone should still play instead of Diogo Jota.
The 22-year-old Portuguese forward hasn’t played for the old gold since scoring a 95th minute equaliser against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. He missed the matches against Watford and Besiktas through injury, and Nuno has said he’s still not 100 per cent.
“He [Diogo Jota] still has some issues,” said Nuno via Express & Star. “Hopefully he will be with us soon.”
“It is a matter of time. First is to take away the pain that he is still suffering every time he tries to run, he still has some pain. Our medical department is taking care of it.”
Nuno wants Jota back soon thanks to the squad being too thin even when he’s fit. But this doesn’t mean he should be rushed back for Wolves’ clash with Manchester City.
Jota should be left out of the match so he can use the time to completely recover as well as the international break. Wolves must and will believe they can get something out of their visit to the Etihad, but Raul Jimenez or Patrick Cutrone could do more than just a job up front.
The match will be very similar to Wolves Vs. Besiktas, meaning Nuno’s men will need to be disciplined, organised and fully concentrated. Jota isn’t fundamental to such an affair so rushing him back would present no benefits.