Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen didn’t start the 2-2 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday as he felt pain in his hamstring before the game.
Pereira revealed in the post-match press conference that he was considering resting Strand Larsen anyway as it was the Norwegian’s third game in quick succession, but the hamstring concern made up his mind for him.
Hwang Hee-Chan was a surprise starter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Strand Larsen’s place and he impressed, striking from 20 yards to net a stunner of an opening goal. Strand Larsen, who went on to score the late equaliser, came on for the second half as Matheus Cunha too complained of muscle tightness.
Based on that, it can be assumed that Strand Larsen is fine but Pereira may still want to manage the attacker’s minutes. If there are any doubts, Hwang could theoretically start once again on Monday as Wolves play host to Nottingham Forest.
In other team news, versatile defender Toti Gomes will be sidelined for three to four weeks with a hamstring issue while Mario Lemina is being assessed following a small, undisclosed injury. The Forest clash comes too soon for Pablo Sarabia (calf) and fellow midfielder Andre is a doubt after going off early against Spurs.
Long-term absentees Yerson Mosquera, Enso Gonzalez, Sasa Kalajdzic and Boubacar Traore remain on the treatment table. Traore, out with a knee injury, is the closest to being back but is still a long way from match fitness. It’s likely the Malian will gradually accumulate game time upon his return.
Matheus Cunha ban comes at good time
After a lengthy investigation by the Football Association, it was confirmed on Tuesday (December 31) that Cunha has received a two-match suspension for misconduct following Wolves’ 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town. There were concerns the Brazilian would miss the games against Leicester City, Manchester United and Tottenham but he was allowed to carry on as usual while the FA made up its mind.
Cunha is unavailable for Wolves’ clash with Forest and the trip to Bristol City in the third round of the FA Cup. It’s never ideal to face a ban but it couldn’t really come at a better time as Cunha was a doubt through his muscle tightness anyway.
The most likely options to replace Wanderers’ talisman in the starting XI are Goncalo Guedes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde but summer signing Rodrigo Gomes could be in the conversation too.
🚨BREAKING: Wolves star playing through injury ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
