Wolves boss makes Rodrigo Gomes admission after injury return
The Wolves star is still feeling the effects of his injury after making his return to the starting XI.
Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto admitted Rodrigo Gomes is still working towards firing on all cylinders following his return from injury.
The Portuguese winger returned to the starting XI against Wrexham last Saturday after recovering from an ankle injury.
The 23-year-old damaged some ligaments in the ankle after taking a firm challenge against Middlesbrough following the previous international break.
Gomes played just over an hour at the Racecourse Ground, but Peixoto says he is still not back to full fitness.
“It is normal, he is not 100 per cent. He feels a little pain sometimes in some movements,” he told the Express & Star.
“He has not stayed 100 per cent after returning from injury, he has to work to full fitness and rhythm again.”
Gomes missed matches against Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Portsmouth and Watford before making substitute appearances in wins over Cardiff City and Bristol City.
He struggled to make a significant impact in the draw at Wrexham, managing just one shot on goal. However, Peixoto has defended the winger's contribution, stressing the importance of his work off the ball.
He continued: “Sometimes the players do not always have a brilliant game with the ball, but without the ball they work a lot for the team, and it is important to work for the team.
“Sometimes Rodrigo would not play brilliant (with the ball), or sometimes Fer (Lopez) or other players would not play so good with the ball, but work for the team.
“For me, it is a balance, between with the ball and without the ball, and the players had more time without the ball than with it.
“They did a good job. It is normal not to be 100 per cent fit or in form.”