The Wolves striker missed his side's 3-2 defeat to Everton at Molineux
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorgen Strand Larsen has been linked with a move to Newcastle United
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorgen Strand Larsen has been linked with a move to Newcastle United
Wolves manager Vitor Pereira played down striker Jorgen Strand Larsen's absence from his squad for Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Everton, as the Norwegian continues to be linked with a move to Newcastle United.
The Magpies are keen to add the forward to their squad, despite completing a club record £65m deal to land German international Nick Woltemade on Saturday.
Without Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, United were held to a goalless draw by Leeds at Elland Road, and head coach Eddie Howe is desperate to add more firepower to his squad before the window closes at 7pm on Monday night.
Brentford's Yoane Wissa has been linked with a move to Newcastle all summer, but the two clubs have not been able to agree a price.
Strand Larsen remains high on their wishlist, but Wolves are reluctant to part with the 25-year-old so late in the window, so eyebrows were raised when he was absent from the matchday squad for the game against Eveton at Molineux.
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However Pereira, who saw his side lose 3-2 after goals from Beto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye gave David Moyes' men the three points, explained the striker's absence and insists he will be at the club when Monday's transfer window shuts.
"Of course, of course," he said. "But Jorgen, as I told you before, he got a kick in the Achilles tendon in the game against Bournemouth.
"He tried to help us in the last game, but the level of the inflammation increased and meant that we did an MRI and he has something there, not serious, but with a big risk if he plays today."
Angry Wolves fans chanted 'back the team or sell the club' to the board and Pereira is hoping for two additions before Monday.
"They are trying to help the team," the Portuguese said. "I hope, until the end of the market, they can add at least two players to help us, because we need more solutions.
"I understand the supporters, but I'm suffering. I'm suffering with them. It will be a tough, tough, tough season, for sure, but we know that we can and we will play better."
Wolves slipped to a third straight defeat, with Hee-Chan Hwang making it 1-1 and Rodrigo Gomes setting up a grandstand finish, but they were unable to find a leveller.