Wolves boss Gary O'Neil gives Pedro Neto injury update ahead of Fulham clash

25 November 2023 , 04:45

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Pedro Neto suffered a hamstring injury in Wolves' draw with Newcastle last month (Image: Wolves via Getty Images)

Pedro Neto is nearing his return for Wolves but won't be playing in Monday's match against Fulham.

The Portugal international had a flying start to the season with seven assists in 10 Premier League games before he got a hamstring injury during last month's draw with Newcastle. There were worries that Neto might not play again in 2023, but while he's not ready yet, it won't be long before he's back.

"Pedro won't make Monday," Wolves boss Gary O'Neil told reporters at a press conference. "He's got a little bit more work to do. Pedro will stay with the physios and fitness staff for a bit longer.

"There's no exact time frame, but Monday he won't be available. Hopefully it's weeks. It's hard because there'll be tests done, he goes for other check-ups and scans and you're sort of guided by them, how quickly he's healing, but he's healing very well."

"He's probably ahead of where they would have wanted him to be at this point. We're pleased with the progress he's made, but with the nature of the injury, we need to make sure everything's ticked off properly before he's back with the group."

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Wolves do have other injury concerns ahead of their journey down to London, but the Monday night game should ensure O'Neil has a largely fully-fit squad to select from. Craig Dawson won't be playing due to suspension after getting his fifth yellow card of the season in the last-minute win over Tottenham.

Joseph Hodge (shoulder) and Nathan Fraser (quad) are still out of action, but Matt Doherty and Mario Lemina are expected to recover from their injuries. O'Neil said: "I think everyone came back OK. Nathan Fraser's still out. Mario rolled his ankle on international duty, but should be fine."

"Matt Doherty has a tight hamstring but will be fine. Hugo Bueno is back involved, as he was just before, he's doing well. Hodgey is doing well, he's back on the grass, but it comes a bit too quick for him. We're pretty much as we were as long as nothing happens the next couple of days."

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