Wolves Suffer Double Defensive Injury Blow After Blackburn Opener

Wolves have been dealt a significant injury setback after Kieran Trippier and Yerson Mosquera both picked up problems during the opening-day clash with Blackburn Rovers.

The two defenders are expected to spend around four to six weeks on the sidelines, meaning they could face a race against time to return for Wolves’ meeting with West Bromwich Albion at Molineux on September 20.

If their recoveries take the full six weeks, both players could miss as many as eight matches across all competitions before the next international break. That would include important fixtures against West Ham United, Birmingham City and West Brom.

Trippier suffered a knee problem, while Mosquera sustained an ankle injury late in the match.

Wolves performance director Phil Hayward provided an update on both players, confirming that Trippier damaged his left medial collateral ligament (MCL). Although the injury is similar to the one recently suffered by Rafiki Said, Hayward stressed that Trippier’s problem is considerably less serious.

The defender will wear a protective brace for approximately a week and has already received an injection intended to support the healing process.

Hayward explained that Wolves will work to get Trippier back as quickly and safely as possible, but admitted that he will remain unavailable for several weeks while completing his rehabilitation.

Mosquera’s injury occurred towards the closing stages of the Blackburn fixture. Scans later revealed that the defender had suffered a high ankle ligament injury.

Although the ligament has not been completely torn, Hayward described the injury as relatively uncommon and confirmed that Mosquera will still require several weeks to recover.

The defender is expected to receive an injection and spend around two weeks in a protective boot before beginning a period away from training.

Positive updates on Rafiki Said

There was more encouraging news regarding Rafiki Said, who has been unavailable since suffering an MCL injury during pre-season.

The Wolves newcomer has made good progress in his rehabilitation and has now been cleared to work without his protective brace.

Hayward revealed that Said’s latest scan produced positive results and that the winger has started using an anti-gravity treadmill, allowing him to run while reducing the amount of weight placed on his injured leg.

He is expected to return to outdoor running soon, initially focusing on straight-line movements before gradually introducing changes of direction and more demanding exercises.

Ball work will also be reintroduced progressively as his recovery continues.

Bellegarde also steps up recovery

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is another Wolves player making encouraging progress after suffering a serious left hamstring injury following the World Cup.

The midfielder has now returned to outdoor training and has resumed work with the ball.

Hayward said Bellegarde has made strong progress through his rehabilitation, particularly in terms of rebuilding his strength. His latest strength measurements have reportedly been very positive, allowing him to move into the next stage of his recovery.

With Trippier and Mosquera now facing several weeks out, Wolves will hope the progress being made by Said and Bellegarde can provide some much-needed encouragement during a difficult period on the injury front.