Wolverhampton Wanderers head into a crucial midweek Premier League fixture against Everton with significant injury concerns clouding their preparations. Manager Rob Edwards is facing anxious waits over the fitness of key players following the team's first league win of the season.
Key Duo Face Late Fitness Tests
The major worries for Wolves surround attacker Hwang Hee-chan and midfielder Joao Gomes. Hwang, who scored in the 3-0 victory over West Ham United, felt a problem in his calf during that match. Edwards revealed the South Korean international felt the issue at half-time but wanted to continue, only for the muscle to tighten up later.
"Channy was feeling his calf at half time. He wanted to keep going - then he just felt it tighten up a little bit - so fingers crossed," Edwards said. "Obviously, we've only got a few days now. So we'll see." The short turnaround before the trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Wednesday night leaves his participation in serious doubt.
Meanwhile, Joao Gomes, recently linked with a move to Crystal Palace, is also a doubt after reporting groin discomfort. "Joao was feeling his groin, so we'll have to see how he is. Hopefully, he's not too bad," added the Wolves boss. Losing both players would be a significant blow as the club seeks to build momentum from their first three-point haul.
Defensive Absence and Long-Term Concerns
In defence, Wolves are definitely without centre-back Toti Gomes due to a thigh injury. He is not expected to return to action until early February, with the fixture against Chelsea on Saturday 7th February pencilled in as a realistic comeback date.
The treatment room at Compton Park remains busy. Midfielder Marshall Munetsi, another player attracting interest from unnamed French clubs, remains sidelined with no clear return date. Fellow midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is also out with a thigh problem, though there is hope he could resume training later this month. His future, like Munetsi's, is uncertain, with Besiktas having shown interest in December.
Positive Returns on the Horizon
There is more positive news regarding winger Rodrigo Gomes, who is described as getting "close" to a return. Edwards confirmed the player is working hard and could be in contention for the squad around the match against Newcastle United on Sunday 18th January. "He's doing really well, doing really well, so he's getting close, working extremely hard," said Edwards. "[He] can't wait to get in with us, so we're hoping in the next couple of games he'll be fit."
Back-up goalkeeper Daniel Bentley is also nearing a return from a foot injury, though the club has ample cover with Sam Johnstone and Jose Sa available. Long-term absentee Leon Chiwome continues his recovery from an ACL injury, while defender Emmanuel Agbadou is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Everton clash represents a critical opportunity for Wolves to climb off the bottom of the Premier League table. However, the potential absence of crucial attacking and midfield talent will test the squad's depth and Rob Edwards's tactical acumen as they aim for a second consecutive victory.
