Cesar Peixoto has no doubt Wolves can compete with their promotion rivals this season despite falling to defeat at Middlesbrough.

A sluggish performance saw Wolves go behind at the Riverside and some impact from the bench was unable to force an equaliser.

Wolves have only lost twice this season but both have come away at promotion rivals in West Ham and Boro.

But Peixoto is not concerned about recent losses against fellow contenders to go up.

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Cesar Peixoto insists Wolves have the quality, confidence and team spirit to overcome Middlesbrough today.

Following a three-week international break, Wolves are back in action with a long trip to face one of their promotion rivals.

The head coach is aware of the danger Middlesbrough pose, but is focused on what Wolves have at their disposal and the damage they can cause their opponents at the Riverside.

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Cesar Peixoto has urged Ladislav Krejci to show the same commitment he has shown in training this week, but admits the defender has lost his place in the Wolves team.

The centre-back had a calf injury that kept him out of the Black Country derby and the first international match for Czechia, before he later returned to action for his country.

But following the win over West Brom, Peixoto implied in his post-match press conference that Krejci had ruled himself out of the match.

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Raul Jimenez will take longer to recover from his knee injury than Wolves first anticipated, Inside Wolves can reveal.

The striker was sidelined during the Carabao Cup clash with Everton and missed the Black Country derby win over Albion, but Cesar Peixoto revealed at the time that Jimenez’s injury was not as bad as first feared.

Now, the club’s medical department has put Jimenez back in a temporary knee brace, and he will remain sidelined for the time being, with Peixoto admitting that the player will take a bit longer to recover - but he was unable to give a specific timeline.

“In the first moment, we felt it was a bad injury, and the second moment I told you he’s not too bad,” Peixoto said.

“Now (it’s in the balance), Raul is doing everything on the technical side to recover as soon as possible, but I think he’s going to delay a little more.

“Raul doesn’t feel comfortable stepping up, and the department delayed a little more because he has to come and stay, not come and go again.

“We have to go slowly with Raul because he’s an important player for us and we want Raul to play the season, not stay, come and go out, so we have to go more slowly with him.”

When asked for a timeline on Jimenez’s return, Peixoto added: “No, I don’t have the timeline. I don’t lie, I don’t have the timeline.”

Meanwhile, Wolves also have minor injury concerns with Fer Lopez and Jordan James, who both returned from international duty with small problems.

This puts their involvement against Middlesbrough on Saturday in doubt, but Peixoto said they will make a decision on whether to play them.

He also added that Jean-Ricner Bellegarde played more minutes for Haiti than the club anticipated, meaning they will need to be careful not to aggravate his previous hamstring injury.

“Fer came with a little problem in the knee,” the head coach said.

“Jordan James has a little problem in his foot.

“Bellegarde came back more delayed than the others, he traveled a lot, played more minutes than we expected because he came back from the injury.

“You have to manage the sessions with them also. But the guys are happy to come back with our group.

“We have a great group spirit, they've grown up a lot in the last two weeks, and I think they are ready. But with these kinds of problems, we have to manage them for tomorrow.”

When asked if Lopez and James will play, Peixoto added: “I don't do mind games, they are not 100 per cent.

“They have pain, a little pain through their training, but I have to think and talk with them until the last moments to see if it is better for the team that they play in this game or they don't play, and because we have three games in a row this week, the next week is the same.

“If it is better to take the risk or not, we have to manage that situation with the medical department also and make the best decision for the team.

“I look all the time for what is best for the team. We have a lot of games, we have to manage these kinds of players.”

Wolves did have some good news on the injury front, however, as Rafiki Said will travel with the squad to face Middlesbrough, and Yerson Mosquera is back in team training.

“Rafiki, yes, to take more minutes, to start to take minutes to stay at a good level,” Peixoto said.

“Yerson needs a little more time because he's come back from the injury, and he needs a little more training with us.

“Rafiki will go with us to the game because he's staying at a good level now.”

Tommy Doyle admits he has done a lot of work on himself personally to put himself in the best position to attack the season for Wolves.

The midfielder cut a composed, confident and mature figure as he sat down for an interview with Inside Wolves.

And in the final article from a long and engaging chat, the 24-year-old says he has been working hard to ‘complete’ himself as a player and says he is enjoying working under Cesar Peixoto.

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The 24-year-old is yet to start a Championship game this campaign, but he has played an important role off the bench.

Doyle has often played the most advanced midfield role, but he says his ability to play in different areas will help him play regularly under Cesar Peixoto.

“I had a chat with the boss about that the other day and he basically said to me, just make sure you learn all three, make sure you know all three positions,” Doyle said.

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Tommy Doyle is full of praise for ‘incredible’ Kieran Trippier and Adam Armstrong and the experience they are bringing to the Wolves squad.

Both players have extensive proficiency in the Championship and bring a know-how that not many members of the squad possess.

Doyle also has good experience in the second tier and has struck up a friendship with both Trippier and Armstrong - who he says offer great help to Cesar Peixoto and his coaching staff and bring a camaraderie to the dressing room.

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The extended three-week break will end this weekend as Wolves travel to Middlesbrough, in the hope of maintaining the momentum they built with a Black Country derby win over Albion last month.

A total of 10 senior players were away with their national teams and after some brief respite for the remaining players, they have been back training regularly and also playing an in-house match with the academy to keep players match fit.

“It’s always tough, because you’re used to playing every week, but when it comes to the international period, I think it can be good as well to have a little break,” Toti said.

“Of course, we still have players representing their national teams, so we’re supporting them, rooting for them, and the ones here are working hard – we know we have to keep working hard to keep our consistency at a good level, and keep at the same level as the last game.

“It’s been good. Everybody’s been in a good mood. We had a break and everyone’s feeling good. Everyone’s been very professional and respected the days off, and coming back fit.

“Most of the players went to places where they could get some sun, like Spain, Dubai or Portugal, and it’s good to relax and then come back serious.”

The captain admits it can be difficult to stay in the zone during longer international breaks, as Wolves aim to return to action in the same form they entered the break.

Toti added: “It’s not easy. This is probably the biggest international break we’ve had.

“It can make players more relaxed, but we’ve made sure we’re working hard and it’s good as well to spend time with your family, it’s a time to disconnect from football, but once you’re back you need to click again and get back to the same level.”

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Fer Lopez has pulled out of the Spain under-21 group due to an injury concern.

The 22-year-old has been Wolves’ star man so far this season, with five goals to his name.

Lopez played 70 minutes in Spain’s 2-1 defeat to Finland in their U21 Euro qualifier and he was then rested for the 13-0 win over San Marino on Thursday.

The attacker was due to feature in their final match of the international break as they take on Romania on Tuesday, but he has now pulled out of the squad, with reports in Spain describing his issue as ‘physical discomfort’.

Inside Wolves understands that Lopez is dealing with a minor problem that is not expected to be serious, and he is reporting back to Compton to have the injury assessed.

Wolves’ medical department will then have the opportunity to evaluate Lopez and determine whether he is fit enough to play against Middlesbrough this weekend.

Elsewhere on international duty, Ladislav Krejci was sent off late on in Czechia’s 3-1 Nations League defeat against Spain, after picking up a second yellow card.

He will now be suspended for the match at Wembley against England on Tuesday.

On Thursday, Jordan James played 75 minutes in Wales’ 2-1 win over Norway in the Nations League. He then went on to play 56 minutes in their 1-0 defeat to Denmark yesterday.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde played 82 minutes in Haiti’s 4-1 win over Dominican Republic in the CONCACAF Nations League and then played the second half of their 2-0 defeat to Costa Rica in the early hours of this morning.

Jackson Tchatchoua started for Cameroon on Saturday as they won a friendly against Ivory Coast 1-0.

Tchatchoua played 62 minutes, where he came up against Wolves team-mate Ghislain Konan, who played the second half.

Nasser Djiga was not involved for Burkina Faso as they were beaten 7-0 in a friendly against Argentina.

Finally, Mateus Mane started for Portugal under-20s in their 5-0 Elite League win over Czechia. Mane played 74 minutes out on the left wing.

Due to Krejci’s suspension for his country and Lopez’s injury, no more Wolves players will feature again during this international break, as all eyes turn to Championship action this weekend.

The midfielder has done well so far this campaign as an important squad player, following his return from a loan spell at Birmingham.

Doyle, who knows the Championship well and has 97 second tier matches under his belt, won promotion to the top flight in 2023 with Sheffield United.

Now, he is desperate to take Wolves back to the Premier League.

“100 per cent, you always want to win,” Doyle said when asked about the desire for promotion.

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The 19-year-old was a deadline day loan signing from Newcastle and alongside two substitute appearances as a striker, the teenager also impressed on the right wing against Everton in the Carabao Cup.

He played 90 minutes in that cup defeat and Peixoto was complimentary of Neave’s performance at the time - and has now said the player’s attitude will carry him far in football.

“He’s hungry to be successful at this club and in his career,” Peixoto said of Neave.

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Tommy Doyle believes Cesar Peixoto has helped the Wolves players play without fear as they target Championship promotion.

The club has made a solid start to life back in tier two, as they sit fourth after seven games.

Doyle has played an integral role, largely from the bench, but says all his team-mates are enjoying the head coach’s style and approach to winning games.

When asked what is has been like playing under Peixoto, Doyle said: “Really good. Obviously, the boss has played before and I think that really helps us, especially with the players that we have, he understands and gives us a freedom to play.

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Wolves sit fourth in the table and three points off the summit with a game in hand, after winning four and drawing two of their opening seven matches.

Back-to-back league wins over Sheffield United and West Brom took Wolves into the international break, and the head coach is pleased with his side’s start but is aware of how tough the Championship is.

“I’m happy, I think it’s very positive,” Peixoto said.

“We start to build a strong team, a competitive team, a strong and competitive group, but I think we have a lot to improve.

“A lot of players come now from injury or come later when we stay all together, we stay stronger from the bench to win the game, as we did against Sheffield, but I’m happy with the new experience.

“I’m ready for the difficulties that are going to happen during the Championship, and I hope after the national break we have all the players together to go, because after that we have five or six games in a row and we need all the players, and I’m ready to fight until the end.”

When asked if anything about the Championship has surprised him, Peixoto added: “I like the environment in the stadiums, the grass is very good, the players are very good, competitive games.

“But I’m prepared for this Championship. I analysed and studied all the teams that have been promoted in the last year.

“I saw a lot of games of the championship, and I know well what’s going to happen, but we have to stay ready because this Championship is very tough.”

Marshall Munetsi got himself on the scoresheet again as Zimbabwe lost their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier to DR Congo.

The Wolves midfielder played 90 minutes in the clash on Monday, as Zimbabwe found themselves 2-0 down going late into the game.

Munetsi finished from close range following a corner in the 93rd minute for what ended up being a consolation goal in the 2-1 defeat.

Fellow Wolves man Tawanda Chirewa also started the game and played 83 minutes before being substituted.

Munetsi’s latest goal came after his brace - and Chirewa’s goal and assist - inspired Zimbabwe to a comeback win over Sierra Leone.

Nasser Djiga also played 90 minutes for Burkina Faso on Monday as they beat Central African Republic 1-0 in their qualifier.

Ladislav Krejci is expected to be involved for Czechia as they host England at 7.45pm tonight.

Ghislain Konan and the Ivory Coast take on Somalia at 8pm tonight, while Jackson Tchatchoua and Cameroon play Congo at 8pm this evening.

Tommy Doyle says he has returned to Wolves with a renewed sense of clarity and confidence, insisting he now feels “a lot better” within the club after a loan spell that helped reset both his mindset and his career trajectory.

The midfielder admitted that, before leaving on loan, he had reached a difficult point in his Wolves journey — something that felt at odds with the admiration he holds for the club.

“I think I’m at a stage now where my mind is a lot clearer. I feel a lot better, especially within this football club,” said Doyle.

“Before I went on loan it was probably a difficult place for me to be, which wasn’t nice because I have a lot of admiration for this football club. I feel like we’ve been through a lot, especially with me being here together.”

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Ladislav Krejci cannot wait to lock horns with Ballon D’or favourite Harry Kane as Czechia host England tomorrow night in the Nations League.

Krejci missed out on the Black Country derby win vs West Brom with a calf problem and was not deemed fit for Czechia’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia at the weekend.

But the Wolves centre-back is set to captain his country and play vs England after winning his battle to be fit for the big game.

And the defender can’t wait to get back on the pitch and test himself vs Kane.

“It’s one of the biggest challenges facing Harry Kane,” said Krejci.

“That’s what I love about football. I just hope I get to play so I can play him and try to defend him. I take that as a big motivation.

“I had some minor health issues and I missed the last match for Wolves.

“When I jumped straight back into action after the break following the World Cup, I ended up overloading myself. But things are on the right track now and I feel good.”

The 27-year-old was strongly linked with a summer transfer away from Wolves, but despite strong interest from several clubs, a move never materialised.

When asked on his future and an unsettling period post-World Cup, Krejci remained coy:

“I don’t want to go back to it too much, I’m here for the national team and we’re focusing on England.

“I don’t want to answer this topic in three sentences. I just fought with it. I know where my goal is, where my future is, and that’s how I work.”

Czechia host England at the Fortuna Arena, Prague; kick-off 7.45pm.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde scored on his return to the Haiti starting XI in their CONCACAF Nations League win over Costa Rica.

The Wolves midfielder has recently returned from a hamstring injury and played 30 minutes off the bench in Haiti’s 3-2 win against Trinidad & Tobago.

He was then given a start against Costa Rica, with the game kicking off in the early hours of this morning, and he scored the opening goal inside nine minutes as Haiti won 2-0.

It marked his first ever goal for his country and Bellegarde played 86 minutes before being substituted.

Ladislav Krejci was not included in Czechia’s squad to play Croatia, however, after he missed the Black Country derby with a calf problem.

The defender is with the group, but reports in Czechia have suggested he began the camp by training individually and he was not involved in the 2-1 defeat to Croatia on Saturday.

They next face England in Prague on Tuesday.

This comes after Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto implied that Krejci had ruled himself out of the win over West Brom.

Speaking to Czechia media, Krejci said: “I had some minor health issues and I missed the last match for the club.

“When I jumped straight back into action after the break following the World Cup, I ended up overloading myself.

“But things are on the right track now and I feel good.”

Jordan James did not start for Wales in their 2-0 defeat to Denmark, but he did come on after 67 minutes and they next host Norway on Thursday.

Nasser Djiga played 90 minutes on Friday as Burkina Faso drew 1-1 with Benin and they now face Central African Republic in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at 5pm tonight.

Marshall Munetsi and Tawanda Chirewa will also feature for Zimbabwe at 5pm tonight when they play DR Congo in their qualifier match.

Fer Lopez started for Spain under-21s on Friday in their 2-1 defeat to Finland.

The Wolves star played 70 minutes and their attention now turns to their U21 Euros qualifier against San Marino on Thursday.

Mateus Mane also started for Portugal under-20s in the U20 Elite League, where they lost 3-1 to Poland.

They will next play on Tuesday against Switzerland.

Ghislain Konan and the Ivory Coast also play on Tuesday against Somalia, while Jackson Tchatchoua will hope to get some minutes on the same day for Cameroon against Congo.

Cesar Peixoto admits there were some Wolves players he did not want to be called up by their country, but he hopes to make use of the international break to give his remaining players a rest.

A total of 10 Wolves players are away on the three-week September-October international break, with the club not playing another Championship game until October 10.

After a busy start to the season, in which Wolves have found themselves fourth in the table, Peixoto has welcomed the mental and physical break - but admits he has some concerns over fitness among the players that have been called up.

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Fer Lopez believes he has adapted to the physical demands of English football but admits he is still learning every day to help him get closer to becoming the ‘complete player’.

The Spaniard joined Wolves in the summer of 2025 but found game time hard to come by before returning to former club Celta Vigo on loan.

He returned to Wolves for the current campaign and quickly became a key player under Cesar Peixoto after an impressive start to the season with five goals to his name.

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