Peixoto gives update on Wolves star after beating Cardiff

Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto says Jordan James will need to be assessed after he was forced off during the 3-0 win over Cardiff City.

James had felt discomfort during the week but an examination showed no issue and he was cleared to play before experiencing pain again during the game.

“I don’t know yet as I haven’t spoken to the medical department,” Peixoto said.

“He felt something during the week, but we did an examination and it didn’t show anything so we decided he could play.

“Today, he felt something again. I don’t know exactly what it is yet, but he had a little pain, and we didn’t want to take any risks by keeping him on.”

Peixoto also explained his decision to start Fer Lopez on the right of the front three, with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde having struggled with illness during the week and Rodrigo Gomes working his way back from injury.

“Bellegarde was ill during the week and he missed two training sessions as he wasn’t 100 per cent ready to play, Rodrigo is also coming back from injury, and Mane doesn’t play in exactly the same way on the right as he does on the left,” he said.

“But I liked what I saw in the last game when we had Jordan James, Marshall and Andre in midfield, and I think that made us stronger.

“So today, we started with Fer in a wider position, but when he comes inside, he has more freedom and I think that was important for us today.”

Lopez rewarded Peixoto’s decision with a goal, with the Wolves boss pleased with his contribution and the overall display.

“Fer has played in that position many times, and although I prefer to have him more inside, sometimes you have to look at what’s best for the team rather than the individual player and today, we needed him in the wide areas,” he said.

“He scored and did a great job.

“But the whole team played well, with more confidence on the ball. We created a lot of chances, changed the rhythm well and played with confidence.”