Wolves Eye Opportunity Amidst Brighton's Injury Woes in Monday Night Clash

Wolves are aiming to capitalize on a significant injury crisis as they face Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday night. The Seagulls previously dealt a blow to Gary O’Neil’s side with a 4-1 win at Molineux in August. However, three of their four goalscorers from that match will be absent at the Amex Stadium, intensifying Roberto De Zerbi’s ongoing injury challenges.

Despite grappling with the absence of key players, the former Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk manager has commended his squad for their resilience, as they strive for a second successive season in European competition while progressing in the Europa League and FA Cup. De Zerbi emphasized the team’s mentality, stating, “When there are many problems, you have to work better and harder. I have to think about different ways on the pitch and find the balance without and with the ball.”

While there is positive news for Brighton with the return of defensive duo Igor and Adam Webster, De Zerbi continues to cope without six key players. Solly March, who scored twice in the previous victory against Wolves, remains a long-term absentee. Winger Kaoru Mitoma is also sidelined and is expected to return next month. Thigh injuries will keep Tariq Lamptey and on-loan Barcelona winger Ansu Fati out until mid-February, while knee injuries sideline Joel Veltman and Julio Enciso for another four weeks. Of the injured players, Simon Adingra is the closest to a return from a thigh injury but is currently with the Ivory Coast squad at the African Cup of Nations.

For Wolves, key absences are primarily due to three players representing their countries. Hee-Chan Hwang is with the South Korea squad for the AFC Asian Cup, and Rayan Ait-Nouri and Boubacar Traore are at the African Cup of Nations with Algeria and Mali, respectively. Additionally, Joao Gomes will miss the game due to a suspension following a red card in the FA Cup third-round draw against Brentford.