Ivan Cavaleiro's Wolves return hailed by Leo Bonatini
Leo Bonatini has hailed the return of Ivan Cavaleiro as he backed Wolves to bounce back this Saturday.
Wolves are back in Premier League action when they host Southampton, following on from Tuesday’s Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Leicester City.
Cavaleiro made his comeback in that game after two months out with a back injury.
Brazilian striker Bonatini said: “Cav worked a lot to be back and all the guys are happy to see him again.
“He looked sharp, he’s only trained for one week and he’ll improve with confidence because it’s hard for him to come back.
“He was playing well, he has the feeling he can do better but he did a great game, he was playing and supporting the right-back and left back to defend.
“I’m happy to see he’s back and I’m sure he’ll help us this season.”
Wolves are unbeaten in four Premier League games, a run that’s included 1-1 draws against both Manchester clubs.
Mark Hughes’ Saints are four points below Wolves in the early standings but Bonatini said Wolves’ plan won’t change, no matter who the opposition.
“It’s good to be back at Molineux on Saturday, it’s our home and it’s where we feel comfortable, all the fans make an unbelievable atmosphere for us.” he said.
“We’re not looking at the opponents we’re facing – we’ll try to play our game, whether we’re home or away.
“We respect everyone but we focus on what we do. Nuno knows what we need to do.”
Wolves drew a blank on Tuesday night against Leicester, with the game finishing 0-0 before the Foxes prevailed 3-1 on penalties.
Bonatini started up front and he says Wolves need to put the loss behind them.
“We came to win and try and play our football, the way we try to do,” he said.
“We can’t think about the past, we have to prepare for our next game.
“It’s difficult for us because we don’t play together too often, we don’t know how our team-mates want the ball, but it’s not an excuse.
“We could do better but now we’ll prepare.
“We need to look at the positives, there are ways we can improve.”
Tickets for Wolves’ trip to face Crystal Palace next weekend have sold out.
Wolves will take 3,000 fans to Selhurst Park.
