Wolves hit by injury crisis for Arsenal clash as five players to miss out amid Pedro Neto update

Wolves are facing a significant injury crisis as they prepare to host Arsenal in Saturday's Premier League encounter, with eight players doubtful for the match. However, there's a glimmer of hope for the hosts with Pedro Neto making strides in his recovery.

Neto - linked with a summer move to the Gunners - has been spotted back in training on the grass, marking his first session since picking up a hamstring injury against Newcastle United back in March. Initial concerns suggested he might be sidelined for the remainder of the season, but it appears he could make a comeback in the upcoming weeks.

While Neto won't be match-fit for the clash with the Gunners at Molineux, Rayan Ait-Nouri is potentially eyeing a spot on the bench after recovering from a recent leg injury. Matheus Cunha is ruled out, and Hwang Hee Chan's fitness issues mean he might only manage half the game time, Wolves manager Gary O'Neil has indicated.

O'Neil also confirmed that Nelson Semedo, Noha Lemina, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde are all sidelined due to injuries. Adding to the woes, Craig Dawson's season has come to an early end following surgery on Thursday for a persistent groin problem.

In the pre-match press conference held on Friday, O'Neil shared: "Daws has had his operation. He won't be back again (this season). He wasn't able to perform anywhere near what he was earlier in the season with the pain he had."

O'Neil went on to give an update on Neto: "Pedro is doing well, six weeks post the hamstring. He's on the grass going through some stuff with the fitness team. If everything goes well, he should have a part to play between now and the end of the season."

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As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has a clean bill of health aside from Jurrien Timber. The summer signing, who has been ruled out since the opening day of the season, could be back for the final few games of the season.