Wolves head into this weekend’s clash with Fulham riding high on the momentum of their first Premier League win of the season against Southampton. Gary O’Neil’s side finally broke their winless streak, and the victory has sparked optimism among the Molineux faithful.
With the pressure of a slow start partially lifted, Wolves now have the chance to climb the league table, and O’Neil will be keen to see his squad deliver a repeat performance.
This weekend’s matchup could prove pivotal in turning their season around and building much-needed consistency.
Some Wolves fans remain unconvinced by Gary O’Neil, with many feeling that the recent win over Southampton merely papers over the cracks of a difficult start to the season. A loss against Fulham could see pressure mount on the manager once again.
O’Neil heads into the clash with a few squad concerns. Santiago Bueno, who recently withdrew from the Uruguay squad, is an early doubt, and Craig Dawson is also said to be struggling for fitness.
One player who is certain to miss out, however, is midfielder Boubacar Traore. O’Neil has now provided a fresh update on Traore’s ongoing absence, leaving fans wondering how Wolves will manage in his continued absence.
Boubacar Traore is on course to make his Wolves return around Christmas, according to manager Gary O’Neil.
The £55k-a-week midfielder has been sidelined for weeks with a persistent injury issue, leaving Wolves short in midfield options during a crucial stretch of the season. However, O’Neil has now provided a positive update, suggesting that Traore could be back in contention by late December.“
Boubacar is progressing well,” O’Neil told reporters ahead of the Fulham clash. “It’s been a frustrating time for him and for us, but we’re optimistic he’ll be ready to return to action around Christmas. He’s a key player for us, and we’re looking forward to having him back.”
The 22-year-old nearly left Wolves in the summer amid speculation over his future, but he stayed to fight for his place. His return could provide a significant boost for O’Neil, who is under pressure to guide Wolves up the Premier League table.
Boubacar Traore’s season has been severely disrupted, with the Wolves midfielder managing just one appearance so far. That outing came in the Carabao Cup clash against Burnley, but it was cut short when Traore picked up a serious injury midway through the match.
The injury, initially thought to be minor, proved more significant, sidelining the 22-year-old for weeks. Traore’s absence has been a blow for Wolves, who are dealing with a threadbare midfield during a challenging Premier League campaign.
Gary O’Neil’s recent update about a potential Christmas return will be a relief for Wolves fans, as Traore’s energy and versatility in midfield could play a vital role in their bid to climb the table.
Boubacar Traore has faced a tough few months, with his season derailed by a meniscus injury that required surgery. The Wolves midfielder had been set for a loan move to Feyenoord in the summer, but the injury scuppered those plans, leaving him sidelined instead of gaining valuable minutes abroad.
Gary O’Neil has now provided an encouraging update on Traore’s recovery, sharing with the Express & Star that the 22-year-old is back on the grass, albeit in a limited capacity.
“He’s doing well and back on the grass and has a little bit more to do,” O’Neil said. “He’s only lightly on the grass at this moment but it’s still looking like the same sort of period that we spoke about.”
O’Neil also confirmed that striker Sasa Kalajdzic is nearing a return, with both players expected to rejoin the squad around Christmas. Traore’s return could be a timely boost for Wolves as they look to navigate a busy festive schedule and climb the Premier League table.
Boubacar Traore looks set for a pivotal January, with a loan move almost certain once he returns to full fitness. Wolves initially planned to send the 22-year-old to Feyenoord during the summer, a move that would have given him valuable game time and experience. However, a meniscus injury sustained in the Carabao Cup clash with Burnley forced those plans to be shelved.
Now back in light training and expected to return around Christmas, Traore’s future is once again a topic of discussion. With Wolves looking to strengthen their midfield options and Traore yet to fully establish himself at Molineux, a loan spell could be the ideal solution for all parties.
Gary O’Neil has shown a preference for more experienced midfield options, meaning Traore is unlikely to play a significant role in the second half of the Premier League season. A January loan move, potentially reigniting interest from Feyenoord or attracting new suitors, seems the logical next step in the young midfielder’s development.
With Wolves boasting a packed midfield roster that includes Mario Lemina, Joao Gomes, Andre, and Tommy Doyle all competing for game time, Boubacar Traore faces an uphill battle to carve out regular minutes at Molineux. The 22-year-old, earning £55,000 per week, desperately needs consistent playing time to rebuild momentum after his injury setback, and staying at Wolves for the second half of the season won’t provide him with that opportunity.
A loan move in January seems not only likely but necessary. Finding a club that can offer Traore regular first-team action will be crucial for his development and confidence. Wolves will undoubtedly hope that he can rediscover his rhythm on loan and return to Molineux next summer as a more polished and prepared player, ready to push for a starting spot in the 2025/26 season.
For Traore, this upcoming move could be a make-or-break moment in his Wolves career, giving him the chance to showcase his talent and prove he can contribute at the Premier League level.