Wolverhampton Wanderers are facing early challenges in the Premier League, as injuries to key players Mario Lemina and Rayan Ait-Nouri raise concerns. Both players have withdrawn from their international duties due to injuries, potentially jeopardizing their club’s hopes of avoiding a relegation battle. Wolves’ fans, along with manager Gary O’Neil, will be hoping for quick recoveries to keep the squad fit throughout the season. With a tough start to their top-flight campaign, the team cannot afford to lose such influential players.
Lemina and Ait-Nouri, who together earn a reported £82,000 per week, played vital roles in Wolves’ previous Premier League season. Lemina was the fourth-highest appearance maker for the club, contributing significantly with four goals in the lead-up to Christmas, while Ait-Nouri has established himself as a solid presence since joining from Ligue 1’s Angers in 2020. Their potential absence for an extended period could be a huge blow for O’Neil, who is depending on their performances to avoid a relegation struggle.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Steve Madeley, Lemina and Ait-Nouri have pulled out of international games for Gabon and Algeria, respectively, due to injury concerns. Both players were expected to participate in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with Ait-Nouri’s Algeria set to face Equatorial Guinea and Liberia, while Lemina’s Gabon would play Morocco and the Central African Republic. The pair are expected to return to Wolves for treatment, though the severity of their injuries is currently unclear. Madeley’s report does not suggest that either injury is considered serious at this stage, which leaves some hope for their quick recovery.
Lemina has been pivotal for Wolves so far this season, captaining the side in their three Premier League matches. He even registered an assist in Wolves’ recent draw against Nottingham Forest, which earned the club their first point of the campaign. Ait-Nouri, on the other hand, has started in all three matches but was substituted early in each game. Despite this, he managed to provide an assist in Wolves’ heavy 6-2 defeat to Chelsea over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Both players have been crucial to Wolves’ efforts, and their absence could significantly impact the team’s performance in upcoming fixtures.
Their importance to the team was already evident last season when Wolves finished 14th in the Premier League. Ait-Nouri was a key figure throughout the campaign, and Lemina’s contributions, especially during the winter period, helped keep the team afloat. With both players now facing injury issues, the timing couldn’t be worse for O’Neil, who has already seen several key departures from the squad during the summer transfer window.
Wolves experienced significant turnover this summer, with several notable exits. Max Kilman left for West Ham United in a £40 million deal, while Pedro Neto joined Chelsea for £54 million, setting a record for Wolves’ highest transfer fee received. Daniel Podence also departed, adding to the sense of upheaval at the club. Such changes can be disruptive, especially if the team struggles to find cohesion early in the season.
In light of these departures, the return of Lemina and Ait-Nouri is vital for Wolves’ stability and success. O’Neil will be hoping their injuries are minor and that they can quickly return to action. With the Premier League season still in its early stages, the team cannot afford to lose ground in the battle to stay in the top division. The duo’s swift recovery will be essential to Wolves’ ability to remain competitive and avoid being dragged into the relegation zone.
