Wolves v Crystal Palace: Pedro Neto in line to start amid ‘massive’ verdict – pundit
Pedro Neto “looks ready” to return to the Wolves starting XI after his lengthy injury layoff, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 21-year-old could give the Midlands club a “little bit of magic” as their European hunt continues.
Neto continued his injury comeback during the 1-0 loss against West Ham on Sunday (27 February), coming off the bench to make a 15-minute cameo.
His appearance at the London Stadium was his third since returning to action after 10 months out with a fractured kneecap.
Hutton suggested Neto could help Wolves’ European charge but insisted manager Bruno Lage will be “wary” about handing him a start.
“They’ve missed him so much,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s a real livewire and he makes things happen for Wolves.
“As a player, when you’ve been out for so long you really have to manage your minutes – and that’s what has happened over the past couple of weeks.
“Bruno Lage will be wary of throwing him in, but he looks ready, and he’s built up that match fitness.
“He can give Wolves that little bit of magic they may well need. They’re on the cusp of those European places and they’re obviously doing really well.
“They could be a massive threat to any of those teams chasing that top-four finish.”
Wolves face Crystal Palace on Saturday (5 March) as they look to bounce back from back-to-back losses against top-four rivals Arsenal and West Ham.
Lage’s side are seven points adrift of fourth-place Man United.
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