Bruno Lage reveals what Jonny has told him ahead of Wolves return

Jonny Castro Otto has told Bruno Lage that he can play in all five defensive positions ahead of his return.

Spain international Jonny is edging closer towards his comeback for Wolverhampton Wanderers after 10 months on the side-lines with a knee injury.

The defender has been involved in full training since January, but Lage will err on the side of caution in the hope of avoiding another relapse.

“He feels confident because of the good work between the medical department and us to try to understand what has happened with the player,” said Lage.

“The last two weeks he has felt comfortable and started to do full sessions with us.

“Yesterday when I was talking to him he said 'I can do the five positions as a defender'. That is what you want as a manager, I now have a guy who can do all five!”

Jonny’s route back into the starting line-up is currently being blocked by the in-form Rayan Ait-Nouri, while Nelson Semedo is shining on the opposite flank.

But Lage sees the extra option as a positive, saying: “Rayan is more attacking, left-footed, Marcal gives more balance and does things with more control, and now we have Jonny, right foot, so maybe he can give us more inside game and find players between the lines.”

Several members of Lage’s squad have dropped down to the under-23s to regain fitness at various points this season, including Semedo, Ki-Jana Hoever and Fabio Silva.

Lage won’t force an evening with the second string on Jonny, who will decide whether he needs minutes before he makes his long-awaited return.

The head coach added: “If he needs to play 45 minutes or 60 minutes, or if he just needs to train, it’s OK. It’s about him and the way he understands his body.”

The psychological aspect will be key for Jonny after