Gary O’Neil has issued an encouraging injury update on one key Wolves player following last night’s defeat against Arsenal.
Wolves extended their winless run to five matches in the Premier League after losing 2-0 against Arsenal.
Remarkably, Gary O’Neil was pleased with the display and found it enjoyable as defensive midfielder Boubacar Traore was a stand-out performer.
Wolves were completely written off before a ball was kicked last night. O’Neil had seven first-team players sidelined and his squad was down to the bare bones, with just 10 fit senior outfield players to choose from.
The Old Gold put in an incredible effort against the title chasers and the former Bournemouth manager radiated positivity after the game having issued an encouraging injury update.
Gary O’Neil drops encouraging Matheus Cunha injury update
Matheus Cunha was named in the starting lineup for the first time since injury last weekend, capping his return with a brace against Nottingham Forest.
David Seaman loved what he saw from the Brazilian and Alan Shearer believes O’Neil has transformed him into a completely different player.
Cunha has scored 11 Premier League goals for Wolves this term and plays such an important role as the figurehead of their attack. Sadly, the 24-year-old was robbed of a chance to impress against Arsenal.
It was revealed on Friday that he damaged a muscle in the 2-2 draw against Forest following a kick to his calf, ruling him out of contention against the Gunners.
O’Neil has since shared a positive update on the “phenomenal” striker. As per journalist Liam Keen, the Wolves boss is hopeful of him returning at home to Bournemouth on Wednesday night.
Matheus Cunha would have caused Arsenal problems
Arsenal boast the strongest defence in the top flight, conceding just 26 goals in 33 matches.
Wolves fielded an attack of Hwang Hee-Chan and youngster Tawanda Chirewa, who O’Neil was impressed with all things considered.
The 20-year-old made some smart touches and linked play well, though it would have been naive to expect him to replicate Cunha’s presence.
As highlighted by FBref, the £60k-a-week finisher ranks in the top 1% of Premier League strikers for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons this season.
Cunha’s explosive pace and power would have caused Arsenal’s impressive duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes problems.
Following consecutive losses, Mikel Arteta’s side looked shaky in the early stages and if O’Neil had his clinical Brazilian to choose from, perhaps the match could have played out differently.
Hopefully, O’Neil’s latest hope comes true and he’s fit to make the squad against Bournemouth.