‘We need to be patient’ - Wolves could be without key player for Leeds United clash
The latest on Jorgen Strand Larsen’s injury ahead of Wolves vs Leeds United in the Premier League.
Vitor Pereira has admitted that Wolverhampton Wanderers may be without Jorgen Strand Larsen indefinitely as the star striker’s injury is unpredictable and difficult to manage.
Wolves have had a very tricky start to 2025/26, losing all four of their opening league matches of a new season for the first time in their history. Many thought the one point from four games at the start of 2024/25 under Gary O’Neil was a low point, but it’s been even worse over the past few weeks.
Strand Larsen played in the opening two - against Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth - but his omission from the squads for the latest two outings - defeats to Everton and Newcastle United - certainly hasn’t helped. There’s been a lack of clinical edge from Wolves so far this campaign, while the defence hasn’t clicked anywhere near as well as it did from January to May.
Pereira provides Strand Larsen update
It was only a narrow defeat away at St. James’ Park but a defeat nonetheless. Had Wolves been better at converting their chances, they could have snatched a draw. There’s no guarantee that Strand Larsen playing would have changed that, but it probably would’ve helped Wanderers in the final third.
Pereira was asked about Strand Larsen on Tyneside but the head coach was unable to provide a definitive return date. Instead, it’s about managing Strand Larsen as best as possible to ease him back in. “Day by day, it's his Achilles tendon, we cannot push - we need to be patient,” Pereira said in the post-match press conference. Strand Larsen is a doubt to face Leeds United as a result.
Strand Larsen focused on Wolves after Newcastle links
The clash with the Magpies came at an interesting time as Strand Larsen was not long ago linked with a move to Newcastle. Eddie Howe’s side twice made bids for the Norway international near the end of the recent summer transfer window, but Wolves stood firm.
When Strand Larsen missed the Everton game before the September international break, some reports suggested it was because of the transfer speculation. Pereira had revealed Strand Larsen’s injury before that, but some believed it was a smokescreen. As we now know, the injury certainly wasn’t made up.
Birmingham World understands Wolves are planning on offering Strand Larsen a bumper new contract to reflect his importance. Meanwhile, Pereira insists Strand Larsen is fully focused on the Old Gold. “I have a very good relationship with Jorgen,” Pereira said before the Newcastle clash. “We speak every day, not too much, but a bit. We are talking in our conversations.
“The market is closed, and now it is not time to think about the market, it’s time to think about the present and the future. His concern is about the injury, not the market. I hope as soon as possible he can come to training to help the team. They are working day by day and trying to do their best to put him on the pitch.”