Huge blow: Wolves suffer major setback before Leeds clash - opinion

Wolves will head into their clash with Leeds tonight knowing that a win will move them temporarily to just two points off fourth place and one point off fifth, also taking them above both Tottenham and West Ham in the Premier League standings.

However, they will have to try and claim three points without key Portuguese duo Nelson Semedo and Pedro Neto, who have suffered thigh and ankle/foot injuries respectively,while deputy right-back Ki-Jana Hoever is also out with a thigh problem.

Ahead of the match, Lage said: “We just have Nelson [Semedo] and Ki [-Jana Hoever] out of the game and also Pedro [Neto]. I think the way they are working, maybe after the international break Pedro and Semedo will be back.”

Neto has started just one game this season after suffering a broken kneecap against Fulham last April. He has not yet contributed a goal or an assist in five appearances this term, having racked up 11 in the Premier League in 2020/21.

However, his absence is easier for Lage to navigate due to Wolves’ strong squad depth in his position. with Barcelona loanee Francisco Trincao also a left-footed right-winger, while both Chiquinho and Hwang Hee-chan are also suited to playing in that area of the pitch.

Meanwhile, Semedo’s absence will leave Jonny Otto to cover the right-back position, with Hoever also injured. The 28-year-old former Barcelona star has averaged 2.2 tackles per game this season, along with 2.2 clearances, 0.7 key passes and 1,5 successful dribbles per appearance.

Ranking in the top 7% among full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions for carries into the final third per 90 (2.49), top 9% for tackles won per 90 (1.82) and top 10% for least yellow cards per 90 (0.10), Semedo has become