Wolves are awaiting the verdict on Matheus Cunha’s injury, as Gary O’Neil assesses his options to replace the Brazilian in case of his absence.
Wolves were disappointed to have lost at Molineux to Brentford on Saturday, although the result wasn’t the most concerning aspect of the defeat as Gary O’Neil lost Matheus Cunha after just 20 minutes.
The Old Gold have enjoyed this season so far under the manager’s guidance, with a resurgence evident in the final third as the squad have already eclipsed their Premier League goal tally from last season having played 24 games.
O’Neil’s approach to play has given the likes of Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan the confidence needed to be a reliable source of goals for Wolves, something that wasn’t evident last term.
Now, the Englishman could be forced to go back to the drawing board, with the club awaiting a verdict from the medical team to reveal the extent of Cunha’s hamstring injury that forced him off against the Bees.
What Gary O’Neil has said about Matheus Cunha injury
The boss admitted that it’s “too early” to determine how long his in-form forward could be out of action, shedding some positive light on the situation by sharing that the 24-year-old “doesn’t feel too bad”.
Prior to the game against Brentford, Cunha had hit searing form for Wolves, contributing to seven goals in five games by scoring four and assisting three.
Aside from his ability to contribute in the final third, the Brazilian’s playing style gives the Old Gold a constant threat going forward, averaging 4.27 progressive carries per 90, the highest average in the Premier League, via FBref.
The adaptability of O’Neil’s front line will be tested if Cunha is forced to spend some time away from the action, with only two options there able to occupy the former Atletico Madrid man’s space alongside Hwang.
Nathan Fraser could replace Matheus Cunha
One name that could be seen as a worthy replacement for Cunha is summer signing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who has been utilised in the advanced role at times this season.
Arguably, the Frenchman is better equipped in his favoured midfield position, potentially opening a door for 18-year-old Nathan Fraser to become better acquainted with the first team.
O’Neil may not have to succumb to playing Bellegarde as a makeshift centre-forward, with Fraser being identifiable as an out-and-out number nine at Molineux.
The teenager has taken a step closer to playing at senior level under the manager, having secured his Premier League debut this term as well as scoring in the FA Cup.
After the Brentford defeat, O’Neil described Fraser’s cameo in place as Cunha as “decent”, shedding light on the teen’s stance in the first team, echoed by Express and Star who relayed the boss’ willingness to get Fraser “thrown in” to Premier League action.
With three goals in six appearances for the U21’s in the Premier League 2 this season, the youngster, who has been described as a “dream” to coach by academy manager James Collins, has a talent that is outgrowing youth level.
It will be interesting to see how O’Neil opts to play should Cunha be ruled out of action, with early signs hinting that Fraser could be high in the pecking order to get a real shot with the first team.