Wolves may have progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last night following a 1-0 win over Brighton, but they’ve lost another key player to injury ahead of Saturday’s trip to St James’ Park.
Top scorer Hwang Hee-chan suffered a hamstring issue in the second half and looks almost certain to miss out, with Gary O’Neil saying he’d “be amazed if he plays at the weekend” in his post-match press conference. The Korean has scored four times in five appearances against Newcastle.
Not only will he be absent, joint top scorer Matheus Cunha remains out with a hamstring issue, meaning two players who’ve bagged 22 goals between them this season will be missing for the visitors.
Midfielder Mario Lemina also came off with a knock last night, but O’Neil expects that ‘kick’ to ‘settle down’ in time for their trip to St James’ Park.
“Mario is fine, it was a kick. It should settle down. Channy’s is disappointing because this game should be on the weekend. He felt something in his hamstring but it’s small, nothing like Neto or Cunha. I’d be amazed if he plays at the weekend.”
Wolves have been in great form away from home, winning four and drawing two of their last six on the road. Their last away day saw them win 2-1 at Spurs, but Hwang and Cunha could leave them short on goals in attack. Hopefully we can capitalise, especially with Isak, Barnes, Willock and Anderson all fit again.
Too early imo to class Isak, Barnes, Willock and Anderson as fit again.
Proper match fit takes a few games but good to see them available for selection.
We do however need all the help we can get from the opposition at the moment.
Joseph(Quote)