Wolves are gearing up for an FA Cup third-round clash against Bristol City this Saturday, with Vitor Pereira providing an injury update ahead of the match. Following their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday, which marked Pereira’s first loss as Wolves manager, the team will look to bounce back quickly. The loss to Forest was made even more difficult due to a number of injuries within the squad, leaving the manager with limited options. Additionally, Matheus Cunha, who was suspended for the Forest game, will continue to be unavailable for the cup tie.
In his pre-match press conference, Pereira confirmed that several key players will still be missing for the trip to Ashton Gate. The trio of Nelson Semedo, Craig Dawson, and Toti Gomes will all remain sidelined, adding to the growing injury concerns at Molineux. Gomes, who had been a regular in the Wolves defence, picked up an injury towards the end of December and has not yet returned to full fitness. Meanwhile, Semedo and Dawson also sustained knocks, preventing them from being available for the match against Forest.
Pereira clarified that these three players would likely not be ready in time for the cup match. He mentioned, “They are working to recover as soon as possible. I don’t think they (Toti, Semedo, Dawson) will be available.” However, there was some positive news, with the manager confirming that Andre, who had been unavailable for a period, has now returned to full fitness and is back in training with the team. This return could provide Pereira with some much-needed depth as Wolves continue to navigate through a difficult injury crisis.
With a number of key players still out of action, this FA Cup tie against Bristol City may come at a good time for Wolves. The fixture provides an opportunity to rest and recover some of the injured players ahead of a crucial league encounter against Newcastle United next week. Pereira may take this opportunity to field some of the club’s younger players, giving them a chance to impress the new manager. The cup game could serve as an important test for these youngsters, as they seek to make their mark and prove their worth under Pereira’s management.
As the squad struggles with injuries, the FA Cup match also serves as a platform for Wolves to regroup and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the Premier League. Cunha’s suspension, which has kept him out of the Forest defeat and the upcoming FA Cup tie, will have been served by the time Wolves face Newcastle. This means that Cunha will be available for selection for that important league fixture, providing a much-needed boost for the team’s attacking options.
Overall, while Wolves’ injury woes continue to present challenges, the FA Cup match against Bristol City could offer the squad an opportunity to recover, regroup, and give younger players the chance to prove themselves. The game is also a valuable opportunity to prepare for the upcoming league fixtures, particularly the tough test against Newcastle next week, as the team looks to overcome their recent struggles and regain some momentum.