Wolves could start 15-year-old against Arsenal after being dragged out of science lesson to train with first-team
Wolves could start a 15-year-old against Arsenal having been dragged out of a science lesson to train with the first-team.
Wolves are facing an injury crisis ahead of their Premier fixture against Arsenal on Saturday.
Several first-team players are either out, doubtful or nursing knocks as they prepare to host Mikel Arteta's side.
Gary O'Neil could be without the likes of Craig Dawson, Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri, among others for tonight's clash.
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Drastic times call for drastic measures as O'Neil could be forced to start right-back Wes Okoduwa, who would be the club's youngest player at 15 years and 344 days.
He was removed from a science lesson on Friday so he could join the first-team ahead of potentially making his Wolves debut against Arsenal.
Okoduwa was on the bench for his side's 3-0 defeat against Newcastle United last month.
On calling up the teenager, who has been linked with a stunning move to Manchester United, the Wolves boss said: "I hope he’s had more fun with us than he would have in science!
"He’s ready for the game. He’s trained very well, he’s physically very good.
"It’s probably slightly too early in his development but it’s the situation we’re in."
O'Neil added: "I’ve got ten senior outfield players that can start. We’re probably in the worst situation we’ve been in.
"But the positive is there are loads of young players involved against Arsenal.
"There might be a debut or two from the start for some of the younger lads. Some of those on the bench I don’t know too well, if I’m honest.
"They’ve been training with the academy more than with us but they were with us today."
If Okoduwa plays, he will also become the Premier League's second youngest ever player after Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri, who was 15 years and 181 days when he made an appearance in their 3-0 win against Brentford last season.
Topics: Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arsenal, Football
Nasir Jabbar