“There’s quite a bit of illness with the players, There’s a virus going around and some players missed training, Some lads will struggle”- Huge Blow as Gary O’Neil Drops Major Wolves Injury Update for Liverpool Clash

Gary O’Neil has revealed that several Wolverhampton Wanderers players may struggle to be fit for tomorrow’s clash against Liverpool after falling ill due to a virus, while admitting he is “devastated” at losing Yerson Mosquera for the rest of the season.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, O’Neil had little to be optimistic about – amid the squad’s problems, his side are rock bottom of the Premier League after five games, with just a single point from a possible 15.

Yet to win a game, Wolves picked up their only point of the season against Nottingham Forest at the end of August, before suffering a disappointing defeat at Villa Park last weekend. O’Neil’s side led for most of the game after Matheus Cunha opened the scoring, but three late goals from Aston Villa sealed their fate, inflicting another frustrating loss.

With Liverpool up next, Wolves’ search for their first win of the season may be prolonged for another week, with a trip to Brentford looming on 5 October.

Speaking in the press conference on Friday, O’Neil said he is “devastated” for Mosquera, who sustained a serious knee injury during last Saturday’s defeat at Aston Villa:

“He’s a great kid and I’m devastated for him. It’s a big loss to us. It’s a big blow to the team but it brings an opportunity to others. Alfie Pond is now a step closer, for example. He has a chance.”

The 23-year-old’s setback is a significant blow for Wolves, who were already short in defence after failing to sign a new centre-back following captain Max Kilman’s departure to West Ham in the summer transfer window.

Aside from Mosquera, the likes of Boubacar Toure, Bastien Menadjou, Toti, Enso Medina, and Sasa Kalajdzic are also likely to miss tomorrow’s clash against Liverpool. Further absences are possible, with a virus spreading through the squad, according to O’Neil:

“There’s quite a bit of illness with players that will need a check. There’s a virus going around and some players missed training today.

“Some lads will struggle for tomorrow, but it’s not definite.”