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'Really strict' - Bednarek and Smallbone set to miss Wolves game

Bednarek suffered a concussion against Liverpool last weekend and will miss the upcoming game due to not meeting requirements for the protocol.

The Poland international was still suffering with symptoms on Tuesday, rendering him unavailable to play due to a six-day rule.

Smallbone, who scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield last weekend, is set for more time on the sidelines with a groin issue.

The Republic of Ireland has already missed two spells through injury this season and previously admitted to the Daily Echo he feels his Premier League chance has gone.

"We have no Jan Bednarek, he will not be at the game because the protocol is really strict. He is not ready," Juric explained on Friday.

Will Smallbone celebrates after scoring at Anfield.Will Smallbone celebrates after scoring at Anfield. (Image: Peter Byrne/PA) "Will Smallbone has a groin problem and he will not be in the game. Jan hasn't recovered as quickly as I hoped, because you have to be good every day for protocol.

"He still felt pain on Tuesday. The protocol in England is different than in Italy, it's really strict.

"Maybe in Italy when a player has heart issues we are very strict. Here, in England, it's a little bit more lenient but with concussions, they are really strict.

Smallbone initially missed four games at the start of the season before suffering another injury on his return against Leicester City.

He has featured in every game since returning to fitness in January against Manchester United, starting the last two.

"I think Will did really well against Chelsea and Liverpool in the first half. For me, it's really simple, I think technically he's really good," Juric continued.

"His understanding of the game is really good. He knows how to defend. His physicality is not at a huge level. I think his weakness is physicality.

"We have started to work on his physicality in the gym, and in some situations, he can become more aggressive, more tough.

"In one against one, he needs to be tougher in the duel and with the technique and vision, he can become a good Premier League player."

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