OPINION
Wolverhampton Wanderers will be feeling pretty satisfied with how their Premier League return has gone so far – but the international break may well have just brought them a bitter blow.
So far manager Nuno Esperito Santo has chosen to make use of summer signing Raul Jimenez, who is on a season long loan from Benfica, in every one of his starting XIs, but despite making a perfect start with a goal on his debut, he has failed to contribute to another, either netting for himself or contributing an assist.
Now the Portuguese boss might be forced to make a change to his system, with Dale Mexico claiming that the 27-year-old hitman has been ruled out of Mexico’s clash against the United States of America with a muscle injury that has seen him return to Molineux early.
The issue is described as small, meaning he could well have recovered by the time Wolves welcome Burnley to the midlands this weekend, but instead of risking him Nuno must turn towards six foot tall (source: Transfermarkt) Leo Bonatini instead.
The 24-year-old has three appearances in England’s top flight to his name but all of those have come from the substitute’s bench, and with his striking counterpart suffering, it is up to the 24-year-old to take the mantle up top.
He was in impressive form last season, netting 12, and already has a goal under his belt this campaign after starting the League Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday, but it is time for him to make the step up to prove his worth in the Premier League.
With just two natural centre forwards at his disposal, Nuno cannot be taking gambles on injuries, and if Jimenez is not 100 per cent, then the responsibility must be falling to Bonatini.