Central Defence A Concern
The area of greatest concern is in central defence, with Lage favouring a back three but possessing only Conor Coady and Max Kilman as senior, fit and available options.
"I'm very happy with Conor, Saiss and Max, because they are doing very well," Lage told Sky Sports on New Year’s Day.
"I pray every training and every game that the guys don't have any injury because we play with three centre-backs and I just have those three.
"We need one, we need one centre-back."
Lage Keen To Add Attacking Resource
With Saiss away on international duty, that need is even more pronounced. Lage is keen to add to his forward line too, with Neto and Hwang not expected to return until February, and Adama Traore strongly linked with a move to Tottenham.
"I think also we can find one more winger, a different striker, so we have two or three situations we can improve to manage better our squad," the Wolves manager added.
However, it remains to be seen if Lage receives all the players he desires, with technical director Scott Sellars insisting that the club will not sign many new faces this month.
"It’s hard to predict what happens in any transfer window, but it’s certain that we won’t bring in a large number of new signings," Sellars told Wolves’ official website.
"Firstly we will focus on providing Lage with immediate back up at a time when all clubs are suffering with injuries and Covid issues, and at the same time give opportunities to our young players who have been doing so well out on loan.
"January is always difficult because clubs don’t want to let players go, especially with the uncertainty of the current circumstances.
"It’s difficult to get the targets you want, and as a football club, we won’t buy players for the sake of it to make up numbers.
"We’d rather use the young players out on loan, and wait for our injured players to come back, than spend money on players who aren’t going to improve the squad we already have.
"Finding better players than what you’ve already got, as you go through the leagues and progress, is tougher.
"We’ve got a fantastic squad, whose mentality, work ethic, professionalism and focus is outstanding, and that’s why we’re in the position we are."
Satisfied With Midfield
Wolves have already dipped into the market to bolster their central midfield options, having been lacking cover in that area due to Bruno Jordao’s injury issues.
Japan international Hayao Kawabe, 26, arrived from Grasshopper Club Zurich on January 5 as the first winter addition, and his signing may allow Leander Dendoncker to fill in at centre-back without leaving Lage too light in the middle of the park.
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