This has caused a dramatic drop-off in form, with O’Neil’s side unable to muster a victory in their last seven matches. The Wolves manager has vocalised his frustration, with the Molineux side on the verge of Europe beforehand.
Saturday’s match-up with Luton provides the club with one of its last chances of ending their winless streak this season. Man City and Liverpool follow the tie, with an in-form Crystal Palace side sandwiched in between.
However, while O’Neil was able to provide a promising update on Matheus Cunha, the fitness of other star players does not look encouraging.
Matheus Cunha – injury update
The Brazilian has been a vital player throughout the campaign for Wolves. Despite Cunha being viewed as a ‘flop’ when he first joined Wolves under Julen Lopetegui, O’Neil has helped him turn his career around.
The attacker has produced many memorable performances. Most notable, was Cunha’s hat-trick in the 4-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Therefore, it was a massive loss when the Brazilian was ruled out for nearly two months with a hamstring injury.
Despite making his first start back against Nottingham Forest, Cunha suffered a setback last week.
Now, O’Neil has confirmed that Cunha should be fit to face Luton. He said: “Cunha did really well, came through the game fine and hasn’t suffered any negative consequences for the minutes he played, so he’ll be in a better spot for us tomorrow.”
Expected return: Luton (April 27)
Santiago Bueno – injury latest
The Uruguayan has finally had a run in the starting XI. Since signing in the summer, Santiago Bueno hasn’t been given many chances to shine.
O’Neil has often opted to go for a Toti Gomes, Max Kilman and Craig Dawson backline. However, with the latter being on the sidelines for months, the Uruguayan has been given his chance.
Unfortunately, this run will now be coming to an end. O’Neil was forced to substitute Bueno against Bournemouth due to a hamstring injury and this situation has not improved over recent days.
“Santi Bueno will be out,” O’Neil added. “It’s not too serious, we’re hopeful for Manchester City and extremely confident for Crystal Palace, so nothing too long, but it’s still disappointing.”
Expected return: Crystal Palace (May 11)
Toti Gomes – injury latest
Toti Gomes has been a regular player in the Wolves backline this season. After being used as a squad player in previous seasons, the Portuguese international has finally locked down a permanent spot.
The defender has been one of Wolves’ most consistent players this season which will hopefully continue into the next campaign.
However, Toti may not be able to play on Saturday due to a slight hamstring issue but the Wolves manager hopes that he will be ‘ok’.
This could leave Wolves in a right mess. Kilman is officially the club’s only fit senior centre-back as O’Neil’s options become more scarce.
Hwang Hee-Chan – injury latest
Wolves’ top scorer has not had a lot of time to shine so far in 2024. After going away with the Asian Cup, he only played twice in the Premier League upon returning before Hwang went off injured against Brighton.
After the defeat to Newcastle, O’Neil confirmed that the South Korean international would be out for six weeks.
Since then, Hwang has slowly been making his return back to fitness. The South Korean came on against Nottingham Forest and started against both Arsenal and Bournemouth.
Now, O’Neil has confirmed that Hwang will still be fit for Luton. He stated: “Channy came through OK, a first 90, which was good for him. He’ll be available again and the rest are OK.
Expected return: Luton (April 27)
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – injury latest
Since signing in the summer, Wolves’ Frenchman hasn’t had much time to shine. Bellegarde has often been played out of position due to the injury crisis the club find themselves in.
Things then got worse for the midfielder when Bellegarde picked up an injury against Fulham and was forced off in the first half. O’Neil has confirmed the Luton match is still too early for Bellegarde as he continues to recover.
Expected return: Unknown
Pedro Neto – injury latest
It seems Neto might be able to make it back for the end of the season.
The winger has always had issues with injuries and this curse has now struck again. After missing a big portion of the campaign with a hamstring injury, this fate has now shown its ugly head once more.
In the 2-1 victory against Fulham, Neto felt his other hamstring just before half-time and was forced off.
However, O’Neil is now confident that Neto will return for at least the Crystal Palace tie.
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