Wolverhampton Wanderers' fight for Premier League survival has been dealt a significant blow with a growing list of injuries ahead of their daunting trip to face Liverpool. The club, rooted to the bottom of the table and without a win this season, will be without several key figures for the festive fixture and beyond.
Defensive and Midfield Blows for Struggling Wolves
The situation at Molineux is bleak, with manager Rob Edwards confirming a series of absences. Defender Toti Gomes is facing a "significant" period out with a hamstring injury and is not expected back until late January at the earliest. His absence leaves a considerable hole in Wolves' backline.
In midfield, the news is equally concerning. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is ruled out for weeks with a thigh issue, compounded by a recent illness that has kept him away from the training ground to prevent spreading infection. Fellow midfielder Marshall Munetsi is also sidelined for the next few weeks with an injury, causing him to miss the Africa Cup of Nations with Zimbabwe after a reported communication breakdown with his national association.
Long-Term Absences and International Duty
The treatment room at Compton Park remains busy. Winger Rodrigo Gomes is recovering from surgery and is not anticipated to return until late January or early February. Young striker Leon Chiwome continues his long-term rehabilitation from an ACL injury, with no clear return date.
Back-up goalkeeper Daniel Bentley is out with a foot problem, while defender Emmanuel Agbadou is currently away with the Ivory Coast squad at AFCON. On a rare positive note, left-back Hugo Bueno trained this week and could be available for selection at Anfield after a recent assessment.
Mounting Pressure in Relegation Battle
These injuries could not come at a worse time for Rob Edwards' side. Wolves are 16 points from safety behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest and are staring at the grim prospect of Championship football next season. The defeat to Brentford before Christmas extended their winless run, and a trip to title-chasing Liverpool represents one of the toughest assignments in the football calendar.
Edwards, who replaced Vitor Pereira in November, now faces the immense challenge of galvanising a depleted squad. The club may be forced to look at the January transfer window for reinforcements, but must first navigate a critical period with a severely limited selection.
