Express & Star

Nuno enjoying his chance to recharge from Wolves' early season exploits

Nuno Espirito Santo says it's important to take advantage of the international break as Wolves recover from their Championship exertions.

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A hectic week of three matches in seven days preceded what is the last international break until late March.

Nuno said the time between Wolves' games was 'too short' and wants longer breaks for his players.

"It's an important break," he said of the current two weeks. "Regarding the cycle we just had, it was a tough one. The hours between games are short, the calendar is what it is.

"I still think that for the recovery of the players we need more time, definitely.

"Seventy-two hours between games is short. Knowing that, we still made an effort, then we'll have time to see how our players are.

"There are players going to international teams, there are players coming back, we have a world champion joining us.

"All these small details we're going to attend during the international break is going to be very important for us."

One player Nuno will be monitoring closely during the break is Helder Costa.

The £13million Portuguese winger has yet to fire since his comeback from ankle surgery, making seven appearances so far. He failed to get off the bench for last Friday's 2-0 win over Fulham at Molineux.

Costa, last season's player of the year who scored 12 goals in all competitions after joining from Benfica, had been sidelined since March and underwent surgery in early July.

Nuno wants to see him continue to progress.

"With Helder, we had a clear approach," Nuno said. "We decided the best way for him to achieve his higher level is with minutes of competition (rather than under-23 matches)

"We're managing that, the response has been good, he's been playing, he started some games, he came from the bench in other games.

"I think he's one of the cases in the international break that we have to attend, for him to still progress and do better."