Wolves host Luton Town in the Premier League looking to bounce back from their recent slump in form.
Wolves were beaten 1-0 by Bournemouth on Wednesday night, extending their winless run in the Premier League to six matches, with Gary O’Neil‘s men feeling the effects of their injury troubles.
Although the Wanderers put in a disappointing performance and didn’t warrant anything from the game, they should have had an equaliser through Hwang Hee-Chan before VAR intervened once again.
Supporters have reached boiling point with VAR, as another decision went against their side, leaving them seven points behind Europe with four matches to play.
The only positive from their defeat to the Cherries was the introduction of Matheus Cunha, who missed the Arsenal game through injury but looked fantastic in the last 35 minutes against Bournemouth.
O’Neil will likely throw the Brazilian back into the starting XI against Luton as the Englishman’s injury crisis continues.
Wolves injury news ahead of Luton clash
Santiago Bueno became the latest player to suffer an injury, leaving Wolves with just two fit centre-backs. Wolves tend to play a three-at-the-back system with two wing-backs, but a change of formation could be required unless O’Neil shifts someone into his position.
The Uruguayan suffered a hamstring injury against Bournemouth and was brought off at half-time to avoid aggravating it any further.
O’Neil also confirmed that Toti Gomes has a slight hamstring issue, which would leave the Wanderers with just one fit centre-back, but he said he should be fine to play.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has been sidelined since mid-March but he could return at the weekend since stepping up his recovery.
Meanwhile, Pedro Neto returned to training this month and could make a return before the season is out, whereas Leon Chiwome and Craig Dawson will play no further part this campaign following their injuries.
Wolves predicted XI v Luton Town
Jose Sa stopped Wolves from being embarrassed against Bournemouth as the Portuguese shot-stopper made a string of world-class saves.
As for the defence, injuries to centre-backs Bueno and Dawson have forced O’Neil into playing a back four, starting Nelson Semedo on the right, Max Kilman and Toti Gomes as a pairing with Matt Doherty coming into the team at left-back.
Mario Lemina was played in a deep-lying midfield role against Bournemouth with Joao Gomes and Tommy Doyle deployed just ahead, and that should continue against Luton, although O’Neil may be tempted to put Boubacar Traore in the starting XI.
In attack, there is a shortage of options but with Cunha back and him impressing off the bench on Wednesday, the Brazilian should start up front alongside Rayan Ait-Nouri on the left and Hwang Hee-Chan on the right.
That means Pablo Sarabia will drop out of the starting XI after putting in a poor showing against Bournemouth.