Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been hit with a major selection headache ahead of his side facing Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend after his squad was hit by a sickness bug.
While it isn't known exactly who is going to be missing — not least because some of those who have missed training today could be available again by kick-off time tomorrow — defender Toti Gomes has missed Wolves' last three matches with an injury. Dan Bentley missed the midweek Carabao Cup tie with Brighton through illness and that is what prompted O'Neil to divulge more details.
"There's quite a bit of illness, actually," O'Neil said in a press conference today. "There's a few that will need a check tomorrow on how they are feeling, but Bents is OK now and will be fine to be around the matchday squad.
"We've had a virus going around and doctor Kai has been busy this week trying to help the lads feel a little bit better. Quite a few missed training today, so we'll see how we are tomorrow. I think some lads will struggle for tomorrow.
"But that's not definite, sometimes these things can clear up in 24 hours. Bents took a couple days before he started to feel better. We're hopeful all of the guys will be fine and 100 per cent available, but at this stage it's difficult to give a definitive answer."
Elsewhere, center-back Yerson Mosquera is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering MCL and ACL damage to his knee. That means 20-year-old academy prospect Alfie Pond could come into the starting XI to face the likes of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz. If the illness persists, he could be one of a number of academy talents handed an opportunity on the big stage.
For Liverpool, Alisson Becker is set to return, meaning Harvey Elliott is the only player Arne Slot is missing through injury at the moment. Cody Gakpo, who impressed again midweek vs West Ham United, will be pushing for more minutes.
Liverpool.com says: The Reds should have enough to be able to beat Wolves no matter which team O'Neil can put out but winning will be vital to keep pace at the top of the league. It will be tricky game and Liverpool will need to take its chances, but do that and the points should be successfully secured.
