Wolves: O’Neil receives a boost as his injury is not as severe as initially thought
Wolverhampton Wanderers didn’t need a sluggish start, especially after losing Julen Lopetegui shortly before the season began and losing Ruben Neves, Adama Traore, and Matheus Nunes earlier in the season. But under Gary O’Neil, that is just what they have gone through.
Actually, the Midlands team has had some bad luck. They were subsequently apologied to for their late penalty denial against Manchester United, lost to Brighton & Hove Albion, and then got off to a winning start against Everton.
Wolves can once again look back on their performances with great satisfaction, especially when they play the Reds, having grabbed the lead and dominating the first 45 minutes of the match. Since then, Wolves have lost to Crystal Palace and Liverpool.
But after a two-hour match against Liverpool, O’Neil acknowledged that Wolves players at least got a much-needed injury boost.
O’Neil would have been frustrated with his team, who performed so well to take a 1-0 lead into halftime, as he watched on as they finally gave in to the pressure from Liverpool. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be, and Wolves, defeated, could have wished to prevent more hits. But after Rayan Ait-Nouri was forced off due to injury, it appeared as though the Midlands club would receive just that.
Since then, O’Neil has allayed any worries by stating, via Molinuex News: “Rayan’s injury was really just muscle fatigue.” I don’t anticipate any issues with him. He should only require a few days to heal, but we won’t know until next weekend.
The former manager of Bournemouth will be relieved, considering how crucial it is for him to have a fully-fit squad when the Premier League games begin to pile up quickly. The Wolves will be the favorites to win all three points when they play Luton Town next.
Ait-Nouri has been one of Wolves’ most crucial players thus far this season, starting five of the team’s six games under O’Neil. Having said that, a serious injury to the fullback would have been devastating for the Midlands club. That doesn’t appear to be the case, though, as Ait-Nouri looks set to return to his starting position right away.
The ascension of Ait-Nouri was not unexpected; his early development under Nuno Espirito Santo was merely a prelude to things to come. According to The Express and Star, the former Wolves manager stated: “He’s playing, and there is improvement.” In light of the squad’s current situation, he is playing in game after game. Therefore, now is the best moment to make improvements:
Ait-Nouri, who is now a vital component of his team, will probably want to go even farther. According to FBref, he has already made an impression on the season statistically. His 20 progressive passes in five games demonstrate his ability to help Wolves move the ball up the pitch under pressure and possibly even toward Premier League safety.
