Manager Gary O’Neil could hand a shock Premier League debut to a 15-year-old schoolboy, Wesley Okoduwa, in their crucial match against leaders Arsenal due to an injury crisis that has gripped the club.
Wolves are facing a stiff challenge as injuries force them to consider an extraordinary move: fielding a 15-year-old schoolboy, Wesley Okoduwa, in their crucial match against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Ahead of the game against Arsenal, Wolves manager Gary O’Neil painted a bleak picture: “We’re probably in the worst situation we’ve been in but the positive is there will be loads of young players involved against Arsenal,” he said. “There might be a debut or two from the start. Some of those on the bench I don’t know too well if I’m honest. One was pleased he got to miss his science lesson this morning so he could train with us. I hope he’s had more fun with us than he would have done in science! He’s ready for the game.”
If he takes the field, Okoduwa would become Wolves‘ youngest-ever player at 15 years and 344 days. His potential has reportedly already attracted interest from Manchester United.
Okoduwa’s moment: From classroom to Premier League
Okoduwa’s opportunity comes at a significant cost for Wolves. O’Neil elaborated on the latest setbacks: “The injuries we’ve picked up this week are unfortunate. Matheus Cunha received a kick on his calf during the Nottingham Forest game and has done a bit of damage to the muscle from the impact…[Nelson] Semedo came off last weekend and has an overload issue in the muscle around the calf. It’s not serious, but we’re waiting for it to settle down.”
Injuries mount, options dwindle
Wolves’ mounting injury concerns were further explained by O’Neil: “Pedro’s [Neto] doing well. He’s six weeks post-hamstring and is on the grass, going through stuff with the fitness team. If everything goes well, he should have a part to play between now and the end of the season.
“Rayan [Ait-Nouri] could be available for the bench. He went back outside today and is feeling good…Nelson Semedo will be out. Matheus Cunha will be out. Hee Chan can only do 45 minutes tops. We need to manage the group with the three-game week.
“It’s probably the worst situation we’ve been in, but the positives to come from that are that there’s loads of young players involved tomorrow, maybe a debut or two from the start for some of the younger lads, and the fact we’re on 43 points already, we’re not on 27 fighting for our lives.”