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Wolves suffer virus outbreak ahead of Liverpool visit

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has revealed that his squad is battling an illness outbreak ahead of their Premier League fixture against Liverpool on Saturday.

O’Neil’s team enters the weekend tied for bottom of the table, sharing an identical record with Everton.

The challenge of securing their first win becomes even more daunting as they face a Liverpool side that has been flawless on the road, winning all three of their away games in all competitions so far.

Adding to Wolves’ troubles, defender Yerson Mosquera suffered a serious knee injury during their recent loss to Aston Villa, further weakening a struggling backline.

Several other players missed training on Friday due to a virus, leaving their availability for the match in doubt.

“There’s quite a bit of illness actually,” said Wolves boss O’Neil.

“A few will need a check tomorrow on how they’re feeling – we just had a little bit of a virus going around.

“Quite a few missed training today so we’ll see how we are tomorrow.

“We have a few issues but looking forward to getting out there and make it as difficult as possible for Liverpool.

“Some lads will struggle for tomorrow but that’s not a definite, sometimes these things can clear up in 24 hours.

“We are hopeful that the guys with the virus will be fine and 100 per cent available for tomorrow.

“But as the doctor told me, it’s hard to give a definitive answer.”

Wolves have conceded 14 goals in their first five games this season, the joint-highest in the division alongside Everton.

With Liverpool having already scored 10 goals, Saturday’s fixture could further expose Wolves’ vulnerable defence.

O’Neil added: “When you lose games, it becomes tougher to win them.

“At Villa they gave everything and we got punished but not through a lack of effort and resilience.

“Stats-wise we have conceded more goals than we should.

“Not many teams have cut us open.

“We have only expected to concede six or seven goals but have conceded 14.

“Other seasons should suggest that won’t continue.

“The last three goals we have conceded which have changed games have been deflected – we need to keep working, tighten up and change those fine margins.”

On Arne Slot and his impressive start at Liverpool, O’Neil added: “He’s excellent.

“No surprise he’s started well.

“There’s no real mess to fix, he’s gone into a well-run club with a good squad and he’s a good coach so no shock it’s been a good start.

“I expect them to have a good season, but tomorrow we do everything we can to disrupt that.

“We managed to find a way last season and that’s what we’ll look to do tomorrow.”

Read more: Mikel Arteta provides David Raya injury update as Arsenal prepare for Leicester

Man City boss Pep Guardiola confirms Rodri will be out for the season

Enzo Maresca provides latest Chelsea injury update ahead of Brighton tie

Joseph Agbobli
Joseph Agbobli
Football Correspondent at Binge Football. In the role of Football Correspondent, he's responsible for producing exclusive and original stories and interviews. Follow Joseph on X (formerly Twitter) @joseph_agbobli
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