Cunha Premier League return ‘big boost’ for visitors

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has said Matheus Cunha is “feeling very good” and in contention for his side’s trip to Arsenal after making a swift return from a hamstring injury sustained during the club’s pre-season US tour.

Brazilian Cunha scored 14 goals in 36 matches last season and could be key to Wolves’ chances of ending a run of six consecutive defeats against Arsenal when they start their 2023-24 Premier League campaign at Emirates Stadium on Saturday (3pm BST).

“Cunha’s fine – raring to go,” said O’Neil. “He’s worked really hard to get back as quickly as he has. He’s feeling very, very good.

“He’s had a good week training. He’s trained every day on the grass, so there are no concerns around him. It’s a big boost for us.”

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— Wolves (@Wolves) August 15, 2024

Wolves ‘in good spot’ vs Arsenal

Despite only being appointed five days before the start of the campaign and losing four of his first five top-flight matches in charge, O’Neil guided Wolves to a comfortable 14th-placed finish in his first season at Molineux.

Wolves were briefly in contention for European qualification, only to lose seven and draw one of their final 10 league games, as well as missing out on an FA Cup semi-final courtesy of a late capitulation at home to second-tier Coventry City.

“We’ve had a really good pre-season,” said the former Bournemouth manager. “The boys are in very good spirits, with a good understanding of what we’ve been trying to do.

“We’re in a good spot; we’re ready to go and give a good account of ourselves. I love being here, have loved every moment of my year, and I’m looking forward to doing the best I can with everything that we have here and how we’re trying to move forward.”

Opening day at the Emirates 🔜 pic.twitter.com/5CNuZ14kz9

— Wolves (@Wolves) August 15, 2024

Wolves team news vs Arsenal

Wideman Nelson Semedo is suspended for Wolves, so Matt Doherty or 18-year-old new signing Pedro Lima could step in after impressing O’Neil during pre-season.

O’Neil said the club had been prepared for the departures of centre-back Max Kilman to West Ham and winger Pedro Neto to Chelsea.

“The club have had a plan in place and the two main outgoings were foreseen – we had a fair idea they’d happen early,” he explained.

“You never want to lose your best players but there was always a concern around [Neto leaving] later, so the fact it’s been done early is helpful to us.”