Wolves recorded a huge win over Southampton on Saturday to go nine points clear of the relegation zone – but there was no Sam Johnstone in the matchday squad.
Jorgen Strand Larsen was the hero for Wolves, scoring a brace at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Wolves fans rejoiced after seeing Wolves play to Strand Larsen’s strengths, and getting crosses into him more often than in previous games.
The Norwegian has come in for criticism recently, so it was good to see him star in a big win for Wolves.
Opta data now suggests Wolves have a 1.8% chance of slipping back into the relegation zone, and everything is pointing to Wanderers staying up.
Part of the reason for the improvements under Pereira is that the defence has been a lot more settled.
Jose Sa has been more consistent compared to the start of the season, and has been keeping Sam Johnstone out of the starting XI.
Yesterday, Johnstone was not in Wolves’ squad – and the reason has now been shared.
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Why Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone did not travel to Southampton
Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Johnstone has now missed six squads since he arrived at the club from Crystal Palace last summer.
Previously, he’s missed out through both illness and injury.
But neither of those things were why Johnstone did not travel to Southampton on Saturday.
Vitor Pereira confirmed earlier that Johnstone was given the game off as his wife is having a baby.
Traore and Lima left out as a selection decision. #wwfc
— Liam Keen (@LiamKeen_Star) March 15, 2025
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Liam Keen reported on X that Vitor Pereira confirmed that Johnstone was given permission to miss the game as his wife is having a baby.
As such, Dan Bentley made the matchday squad for the 12th time this season.
Pedro Lima and Boubacar Traore left out as tactical decision
Pedro Lima and Boubacar Traore were also both not in Wolves’ squad on Saturday to face Southampton.
On the duo, Keen also reported that Pereira had said that they were left out as a tactical decision.
That Pereira was able to leave Lima and Traore out of the matchday squad is a positive thing, as it indicates there is good strength in depth at the moment.
Hopefully, the pair will reacted well to the snub and give the manager a reason to select them for West Ham after the international break.
Wolves are nearly there now and just need to see the job through.
And once there’s a few more points on the board, Pereira can think about handing players like Lima, Traore and also Johnstone, minutes to show what they can offer.