Wolves could be without five players for Everton clash as Julen Lopetegui faces fitness wait
Wolves could be without five players for their latest Premier League clash against Everton as Julen Lopetegui sweats on the fitness of Boubacar Traore and Jonny.
According to injury expert Ben Dinnery (Premier injuries website, 21 December), Francisco Oliveira, Pedro Neto and Sasa Kalajdzic are all certain to miss the match at Goodison Park.
Lopetegui “hopes” Jonny and Traore will be fit despite doubts still remaining over their fitness (Birmingham Mail, 21 December).
Must win
This really is a must-win for Frank Lampard and Everton with the Toffees currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone. Wolves have a new man in charge and will be hoping to close the gap to the Toffees in 17th place. A win for Lopetegui’s side will see them climb to within one point of Lampard’s men.
There had been plenty of optimism at the start of the season but the recent defeats to Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup and the league has brought the Everton boss back to earth with a bang. A relegation battle is currently on the cards and it’s absolutely essential for the Toffees to be active in the January window to ensure their Premier League status remains intact.
Lampard could be given an injury boost for the game with Ben Godfrey back training after his injury layoff. After the poor performances on the South Coast, the Everton boss may be inclined to shuffle the pack defensively to ensure their lacklustre display doesn’t repeat itself as his side make their Premier League return.