Gary O’Neil has provided an update on Wolves’ injury situation with two stars closing in on a return to the starting XI.
Wolves are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel regarding their injury situation. Throughout 2024, O’Neil’s side has been hampered with players picking up knocks.
This has completely derailed the Molineux side’s season with the depth in Wolves’ first team not sufficient enough to handle the injuries.
However, in recent weeks, many of Wolves’ stars have been making their return to the pitch. Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-Chan are now back in the lineup after a long period out. Yet, the name fans are desperate to see returning to the teamsheet is Pedro Neto.
Ahead of Saturday’s home match versus Crystal Palace, the Wolves manager was able to offer an update on the winger’s situation. However, it may not please everyone.
Pedro Neto – injury latest
Injuries have once again been tough on Neto. After missing a large part of the early campaign, the winger was once again forced onto the sidelines.
Neto injured his hamstring against Fulham which has kept him out of the team since March.
There were initial fears that Wolves’ star man could be out for the season. However, after the Wolves manager’s recent update, these reports now seem unfounded.
Last week, O’Neil confirmed that Neto had returned to first-team training following his injury and was reportedly in contention for the Man City match.
In the end, Neto did not make the bench and unfortunately, this will be the case again versus Crystal Palace.
In his press conference, O’Neil said: “Pedro still won’t be involved tomorrow. He’s training but he’s not done enough high-speed and things to guarantee that it is not a risk for him at this point.”
Expected return: Liverpool (May 19)
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – injury latest
Another player who has been on the sidelines for a substantial amount of time is Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. The Frenchman was injured alongside Neto in the 2-1 victory over Fulham in March.
Last week, O’Neil confirmed that he had returned to first-team training and was brought on at half-time in the 5-1 defeat to Man City.
Ahead of the Palace fixture, O’Neil confirmed that the midfielder will be in the squad again.
Expected return: Crystal Palace (May 11)
Santiago Bueno – injury latest
The centre-back has been able to force himself into the team of late after Craig Dawson’s injury.
Here, the Uruguayan has impressed, with Santiago Bueno’s performance against Arsenal the standout. However, in the 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, the defender was forced off with an issue.
As a result, Santiago Bueno missed the victory against Luton but made a quick recovery. The centre-back came on for a late cameo in last week’s defeat against Man City.
Now, O’Neil has confirmed that Bueno will be able to return to the starting XI on the weekend. He said: “Santi’s better, obviously he only trained on Friday last week so he wasn’t available to start against City but was available to play a bit of it. He’s fine now and feeling better.”
Expected return: Crystal Palace (May 11)
Craig Dawson – injury latest
One player who has had quite a few knocks this season. Dawson has missed the last few games with a groin injury and has not featured since the defeat to Newcastle.
Dawson made it onto the bench in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham at Molineux but was not risked during the match.
Now, O’Neil has confirmed that Dawson has had an operation and will be out for the rest of the season.
Expected return: 2024/25 season