When Willy Boly’s injury fell just days after his side defeated Slovan Bratislava in late October, the Frenchman had already helped his side have one foot in the knockout stages.
Before his nasty broken fibula injury, Wolves had accumulated six points from three games, with two of their fixtures being away, leaving them very likely to through.
It’s by no means fair to suggest that they were through by the time he was injured, but the meat of the task was done, with much thanks coming to his dominant display in Istanbul where he helped keep Besiktas at bay before bagging in the final minute with a superbly taken goal.
Fast forward five months or so and he is back right on time – ready to face Espanyol in what has to be considered one of the club’s most important game in potentially decades.
His last game was a timely reminder of exactly what they have missed. His assured performance against Manchester United made the defence look that bit more solid, and now he is back for the fun part.
Wolves have been lucky with injuries this season, with only a few coming to players such as Diogo Jota and Ruben Vinagre alongside Boly’s setback. Boly’s injury was by no means a lucky one, but the timing for a five-month injury couldn’t be much better if the Europa League is the club’s biggest contest this season.
Of course, the Premier League is the bread and butter, but what is the point of fighting out 38 league games to qualify for a tournament that you’re not going to take seriously? Wolves are undoubtedly safe now, so there should be no holding back in any case scenario, regardless of the situation in the league.
How will Wolverhampton Wanderers fare against Espanyol?
Win
Draw
Lose
The importance of these games can often get diluted amongst the rat race in the league. But for sides such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, this is what it is all about. Temporarily forget about the potential of reaching the Champions League, as last season, Nuno’s side fought tooth and nail to reach this game.
The club should have eyes bigger than your stomach, as you may have to wait yet another 39 years before you can take a bite of European football pie, as football is an unforgiving hobby.
With Boly’s return clearly being a huge boost to the defence – as shown against United – they should be feeling even more confident in their ability to prevent Espanyol from scoring.
