22/12/2024

Returning Wolves ace is ready to start at the Amex after family tragedy

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Returning Wolves ace is ready to start at the Amex after family tragedy

How Wolves are shaping up before they face Brighton at the Amex

How Wolves are shaping up before they face Brighton at the Amex

Wolves will restore Mario Lemina to their starting XI against Albion.

The midfielder went on as a 70th-minute sub in last week's FA Cup replay against Brentford after compassionate leave due to the death of his father.

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil said: “It’s obviously a tough thing to go through.

"I know the role he’ll look to play within his family, he’ll take a lot of it on himself and will make sure everyone’s OK, which is the role he takes up here as well.

“He spent a good spell of time with his family, making sure that everyone was OK and that he felt ready to come back.

“When he arrived back, he was ready, and he’s ready to work now. I know he’s excited to get back to it and we’re pleased to have him back.

“Mario has a real, good intelligence of what we’re trying to do.

"He’s well respected in the group, so is good at delivering and carrying messages for the team, as quite a few of the lads are, but Mario is one you can definitely rely on the sideline to make sure the lads know the direction we’re trying to go in.

“Mario missed a lot of training with the team. He worked hard on his own while he was away, got some good work done, but it’s never quite the same.

“I think he felt tired after his 65 minutes the other night, but we’ll get another three or four days of training into him before the next one. He’ll be fit to start and let’s see how long he can last.”

Left-wing back Rayan Ait-Nouri is currently away with Algeria at AFCON.

That means the return of Hugo Bueno from injury is seen as important.

He went on as a sub late in normal time against the Bees.

O’Neil said: “He’s obviously very important for us anyway, but especially with Rayan being away.

“Hugo’s fitness, getting him back up to speed is very important.

“He will be an important part of what we’re trying to do during the second half of the season, so we need him fit.”

Experienced centre-back Craig Dawson also made his return, coming off the bench midway through extra-time.

Dawson, who struggled when Albion won 4-1 at Molineux early in the campaign, has been briefly absent of late.

Hwang Hee-chan, who scored against the Seagulls, is away at the Asian Cup while Boubacar Traore is also at AFCON.

Jonny Otto is not being considered this month and Joao Gomes is serving a suspension.

Wolves have won their last three league games, making them unbeaten in five in all competitions.

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