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Wolves' Daniel Podence making slow progress on road to recovery

Wolves playmaker Daniel Podence is ‘improving’ but there remains no concrete time frame on when he will return.

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The 25-year-old Portuguese announced he had suffered an adductor injury at the start of February and expected to be out for six weeks.

But he is not due to be back in action until after the international break now, as he is yet to join group training or start individual sessions on the grass at Compton.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: “He’s closer, but he’s not yet with the group.

“We don’t have a time. He’s improving, but he’s not been able to join yet, or even to start his individual sessions.

“It’s the same with (Fernando) Marcal also. We still have some issues, new issues. It’s always like that.”

Podence will hope to step up his recovery in the coming weeks alongside Marcal, who has undergone surgery on another thigh issue.

The attacker’s last game was the 2-1 win over Arsenal on February 2.

Willy Boly, though, is hoping to feature against Liverpool on Monday having been an unused substitute for the last two matches while shaking off a hamstring problem.

Nuno, meanwhile, insists Wolves are putting in plenty of work to stop their knack of starting games slowly.

His side have a tendency to struggle to get going in the first halves of matches, before stepping up considerably after the break.

And Nuno is eager to put that trend to bed as he said: “We’re working on some aspects we consider we can improve, especially at the beginning of games.

“We’re trying to find the why, and that is very difficult.

“It requires dedication and patience at the same time, but we’re working on the idea of sustaining our performance throughout the game – from the beginning until the end.

“We know we always face tough opponents and they can force you to do things.

“So, we’ve been analysing and working with the players, ready for a new challenge on Monday.

“It’s all about putting into practice what you’ve been working on.

“We know something has to change. I’m focused on preparing the players on reacting to a good action in the same way as a bad action, and keep playing the game.

“We are looking at all of the game. There are so many aspects we have to consider, and we are working on that.”

Nuno also shared his thoughts on the state of football and society, with it being a year since the Premier League was halted by Covid-19.

All elite football was suspended just a couple of days after Wolves had travelled to Greek club Olympiacos for a Europa League last-16 tie, resuming three months later.

Nuno now hopes things are taking a turn for the better, while acknowledging the impact of the pandemic will still be felt for a while yet.

“Things are not good but they’re improving,” he added.

“The vaccine is coming and I’m going to have mine soon since how old I am now.

“As things improve in our community and society, they will improve in our sport. But the scars will remain with us for some time.”