Huge blow: Wolves dealt massive injury setback ahead of Brighton, Lage will be fuming - opinion

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

That’s according to the Express and Star, who reported that the centre-back’s season is expected to be cut short after he suffered an ankle injury in training ahead of their clash against Brighton at Molineux this afternoon.

The 24-year-old had missed the trip to Burnley last weekend but it has now been confirmed that the injury will keep him out for Wolves’ five remaining Premier League matches of the current campaign.

It’s a gutting blow for the defender, who has been a colossus at the back for the West Midlands outfit this term, making 34 appearances across all competitions whilst contributing to ten league clean sheets.

Wolves manager Bruno Lage has fully unleashed the centre-back this term after his predecessor Nuno Espirito Santo handed Kilman 18 league appearances last term and just a combined four in the two top-flight seasons prior to 2020/21.

The Englishman has been a major contributor to his team’s excellent defensive record, with only Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea conceding fewer league goals than their 29 in the Premier League.

To illustrate Kilman’s importance at Molineux, he ranks in the top four in Lage’s squad for minutes played, interceptions per match and aerial duels won, as per WhoScored.

Moreover, the defender’s form has seen him tipped for an England call-up, although Gareth Southgate left the 24-year-old out of his last Three Lions squad.

Kilman was missed last weekend as his side lost 1-0 to Burnley and there may be concerns going into today’s match against the Seagulls as to whether or not Willy Boly can deputise efficiently.

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