Hwang, Johnstone, Kalajdzic: full Wolves injury news and latest return dates ahead of Southampton

This is a crucial game for both sides at the bottom of the Premier League table, with Wolves fighting tooth and nail to secure back-to-back draws against Brighton and Crystal Palace in their last two games. It feels like they will need a win this weekend at home against a Southampton side that is also struggling, though Southampton did manage to secure their first win of the season against Everton recently.

Wolves have a strong record against Southampton, having won their last five meetings, but Gary O'Neil’s side has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last nine games across all competitions. This is partly due to key player injuries. Ahead of this weekend's game, below is a list of Wolves’ injured players and their potential return dates.

Enso Gonzalez Medina

He suffered a knee injury and required surgery. He's not expected back this year, but the manager stated he is on track. He told reporters: “He’s beginning his strength phase. He’s a few months ahead of Yerson. He responded really well to the initial surgery and is back in the gym working hard, so he’s right on track with where we’d expect him to be.”

Potential return: January 2025

Sasa Kalajdzic

Another player with a knee injury, he’s also isn’t expected back this year. Gary O'Neil confirmed he is in the strength phase: “He’s beginning his strength phase. He’s a few months ahead of Yerson. He responded really well to the initial surgery and is back in the gym working hard, so he’s right on track with where we’d expect him to be.”

Potential return date: January 2025

Boubacar Traore

He’s only now back on the field after a prolonged knee injury, but there’s confidence within the squad that he could return for the Christmas and New Year games.“Boubacar is still out—on crutches at the moment—he had a repair to the joint surface in his knee and will probably be out until around Christmas.”

Potential return date: 26/12/2024

Hwang Hee-chan

The long wait is over, and the South Korean forward is likely to be available this weekend after training throughout the week.“It’s not nothing, there’s something there. He injured a ligament on the inside of his ankle, but from now it’s probably a couple to a few weeks, nothing overly long,” the Wolves manager said.

Potential return date: 09/11/2024

Sam Johnstone:

The former Crystal Palace goalkeeper has missed the last two games but is likely to return this weekend.“Sam has trained this week, and we’ll see where he is before making a call tomorrow,” O'Neil said when asked about his goalkeeper.

Potential return date: 09/11/2024

Bastien Meupiyou Menadjou:

There is no certain return date for the French centre-back at the moment, but it’s believed he could be back playing by the end of the year.“Hopefully, Bastien will train with the group next week.”