An update on injured Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen and whether he will play vs Brighton in the Premier League.

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is in contention to start against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, Birmingham World understands.

The Norway international was absent from the matchday squad as Wolves suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Manchester City last Friday, but he should return this weekend as long as he suffers no further setbacks between now and kick-off. Strand Larsen missed the loss against City due to a groin strain, however there has since been sufficient time for a recovery.

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira confirmed last Friday that the problem wasn’t anything to worry about for the long term, and his words appear to be ringing true. “It’s not serious,” Pereira admitted at the Etihad. “We tried yesterday in the last training to come to play, but he didn’t feel well. We had a conversation with the medical department, and we decided not to take the risk.”

As Wanderers’ second top scorer with 13 goals, just four behind talisman Matheus Cunha’s tally, Strand Larsen has made a stunning impact this campaign. The striker joined from Spanish La Liga club Celta Vigo on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for a total fee of around £25 million and he has paid back much of that already with some vital goals.

Wolves’ defeat at City can’t be put down to Strand Larsen’s absence but it was certainly felt as Pereira’s side didn’t have quite the same presence up top. The 25-year-old not only contributes plenty of goals, but he’s also effective in Wanderers’ build-up play as he holds up the ball strongly and is a sufficient passer.

An unexpected partnership has blossomed with winter signing Marshall Munetsi, too, with the Zimbabwean box-to-box midfielder playing an auxiliary role just off Strand Larsen. They aren’t a duo with a great deal of flair but they have a lot of power and, when combined, can cause plenty of problems for defenders.

Should I sell Strand Larsen on FPL?

Fantasy Premier League managers with Strand Larsen in their teams may be wondering whether it’s time to sell up as the striker has a flag next to his name, stating he has a 75 per cent chance of playing due to his groin injury. There’s no guarantee the Norwegian will start, but Birmingham World’s understanding is he’s ready to play again.

Away from the injury, Strand Larsen has three fairly tricky fixtures to see out the campaign and he may be under consideration for a sale anyway. Wolves take on Brighton at home next before an away trip to Crystal Palace and the hosting of Brentford on the final day. All three opponents are gunning for the last European spot, though Palace are perhaps too far away.

Who are FPL alternatives to Strand Larsen?

One player in a similar price bracket that FPL managers could consider instead of Strand Larsen is Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap (£5.6m). The Tractor Boys have nothing to play for but pride now that they’re relegated but Delap will be eager to impress in the final three matches as there’s a lot of transfer interest. Ipswich have good fixtures, too, against Brentford, Leicester City and West Ham United.

If the budget can stretch from Strand Larsen’s price tag of £5.4m up to £6.7m, then Brentford’s Yoanne Wissa should be considered. The Congo international has netted in his last four games and is now the fourth-highest-scoring forward in FPL. Brentford take on Ipswich, Fulham and Wolves to see out the season.