Wolverhampton Wanderers' disastrous Premier League campaign is in danger of plunging to new depths, with two key players now walking a disciplinary tightrope.
Midfield Pair One Booking From Ban
As new head coach Rob Edwards battles to inspire a great escape, he faces the alarming prospect of losing his first-choice midfield for crucial matches. Brazilian internationals Joao Gomes and Andre are both just one yellow card away from an automatic one-match suspension under Premier League rules.
The central midfield duo have each collected four cautions so far this season. They must now navigate the next six league games without another booking to avoid a ban. The threat of a one-match suspension for reaching five yellow cards remains in place until match week 19 of the season.
December Fixtures Pile Pressure on Struggling Wolves
The timing could hardly be worse for a club rooted to the bottom of the table. Wolves have taken just two points from their opening 13 games and face a punishing December schedule that could define their season.
Edwards's side host Nottingham Forest in a pivotal clash at Molineux on Wednesday night. They then face a brutal run of fixtures: Manchester United at home, a trip to league leaders Arsenal, a home game against Brentford, and a visit to Anfield to face Liverpool on December 27. The month concludes with an away match at Manchester United.
Edwards's Survival Bid Hangs in the Balance
The potential loss of either Gomes or Andre would be a devastating blow. The 24-year-olds have been ever-present this season, starting almost every game under both former boss Vitor Pereira and now Edwards. Their energy and quality in the engine room are seen as vital to any hope of a revival.
Wolves have yet to see a player reach the five-booking threshold this season, but that record is under severe threat. The club's hopes of clawing their way out of the relegation zone already look slim, and losing a key midfielder to suspension during this critical period could be a knockout punch.
All eyes will be on Molineux this Wednesday as Edwards seeks his first win, knowing his most important players must balance competitive fire with extreme caution.
