Wolves chase upset at Molineux as six key players sit out against Bolton
Under the floodlights of Molineux on Tuesday evening, Wolverhampton Wanderers will be desperate to reverse recent fortunes, but a spate of injuries means six first‑team regulars will not travel to face newly‑promoted Bolton Wanderers.
Recent setbacks for the Trotters
Wolves suffered their second defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 1‑0 at the Riverside to automatic promotion rivals Middlesbrough. The solitary goal came from a superb header by talisman Will Lankshear.
Just days earlier the side had been beaten 2‑1 at home by Stoke City, despite enjoying a player advantage for 70 minutes. Portuguese head coach Steven Schumacher, who also manages the club’s under‑23s, will be keen to see a reaction after those back‑to‑back losses.
Injury list thins the squad
Midfielder Boubacar Traoré, 25, has been sidelined for the past two weeks and is not expected to return for the Bolton match. He sits behind Marshall Munetsi, Fer Lopez, Andre and Jordan James in the pecking order.
Bertrand Traoré, the former Chelsea and Sunderland winger, remains on the treatment table after picking up a minor knock before the Middlesbrough trip; his Championship debut is still pending.
Colombian defender Yerson Mosquera, also 25, has made only one league appearance this season and continues to be out of contention, with no sign of a return for Tuesday.
Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez, who was risked in a recent League Cup tie and then suffered a knee injury against West Bromwich Albion, has been recovering over the international break and will miss the Bolton fixture. Adam Armstrong or Sean Neave are expected to deputise.
Portuguese winger Rodrigo Gomes was forced off at half‑time in the loss to Middlesbrough after a challenge left him limping. Coach Peixoto said, "He felt a touch in his feet. I don’t know if it is bad or not, I think not. The medical department are going to analyse it and talk with me, because I don’t know exactly what they have, and I don’t like to lie, like I say all the time." Gomes’ fitness remains doubtful.
Bolton’s relatively clean bill of health
Bolton Wanderers arrive at Molineux with almost a full squad after their defeat to Stoke City. The only absentee is St. Lucian defender Chris Forino‑Joseph, who has missed the last three games with a groin injury.
Schumacher will be looking for his remaining defensive options to step up, as a solid back line will be essential for any chance of an upset.
Action images James, a lifelong Stoke City fan born and raised in Stoke‑on‑Trent, summed up the mood: "Show me the facts, I’m ready to give a light‑hearted recap of what’s at stake for Wolverhampton tonight."