Could Tolu Arokodare make his first Premier League start this weekend? Wolves boss faces major decision

• Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare could be in line for a Premier League debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend when they face Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

The 24-year-old joined Wolves on transfer deadline day in a deal worth around €25 million from Belgian side Genk, and may now get his chance earlier than expected.

Wolves manager Vítor Pereira confirmed in his pre-match press conference that first-choice striker Jørgen Strand Larsen will miss the trip due to an injury sustained before the international break. That absence opens the door for Arokodare to step in.

Last weekend against Everton, Pereira opted to deploy Hwang Hee-chan as a false nine, but with Arokodare now available and fully fit, the coach has a decision to make: stick with Hwang’s mobility or hand the Nigerian forward his first start in England.

Arokodare arrives with strong form behind him, having scored 23 goals for Genk last season in the Belgian Pro League. He also netted the winner for the Super Eagles against Rwanda during the recent international break, underlining his sharpness ahead of the clash with Newcastle.