Bruno Lage confirms major Wolves blow and drops team selection reveal
Bruno Lage has confirmed Nelson Semedo faces at least one month out due to a hamstring injury.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ first choice right wing-back Semedo suffered a hamstring injury during the second half of last week’s defeat to Arsenal.
The 28-year-old will miss Wolves’ matches with Crystal Palace, Watford, Everton and Leeds United before the March international break.
He could return in time for Wolves’ April fixtures, starting with Aston Villa on April 2, if his recovery goes well.
“Nelson is going to be out for at least one month. Let’s see how he goes, but we have that news for now - one month out,” Lage confirmed at his press conference on Friday.
Semedo, who arrived for an initial £30million from Barcelona in 2020, has become a key player in recent months after an inconsistent start to his Wolves career.
Lage has been singing his compatriot's praises of late and his absence comes as a significant blow to the Wolves head coach.
“We saw two Nelsons this season, the first Nelson was inconsistent, but the second Nelson, in the last three months, was the player I remember from Benfica,” Lage continued.
“He is an important player, he’s scored goals and got assists, and defensively he has improved a lot.”
Lage went on to suggest Ki-Jana Hoever is currently ahead of Jonny Castro Otto in the race to replace Semedo.
Hoever started Sunday’s defeat to West Ham and looks set to stay ahead of Jonny, who continues to build up his fitness having returned from a serious knee injury.
Lage said: “I want two players for each position and at the moment we have that option with Ki and Jonny.
“Jonny continues to work hard to be fit and play 90 minutes, but Ki is a young player with lots of potential. I think Ki is ready to play