Wolves’ Rafiki Said out for at least two months with MCL injury | OneFootball

Wolves winger Rafiki Said will be sidelined for at least two months after a pre-season knee injury.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the £7.7million signing was forced off after 20 minutes of his second friendly on the trip to Maidenhead. Director of performance Phil Hayward outlined a high-grade medial collateral ligament injury that will require a brace for around six weeks with injections.

He said the damage followed a blocked shot that put heavy strain on the inside of the knee. While the ligament heals, Said will be limited functionally but will work in the gym to maintain fitness and strength around the area.

Once the brace is removed, a further few weeks of build-up are expected before he can rejoin training. He will therefore miss the first part of the season.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde faces a number of weeks out after a hamstring problem sustained in training. The midfielder only returned last week after representing Haiti in the World Cup.

Fer Lopez missed the Maidenhead and Real Sociedad friendlies with a minor groin issue, but he has trained this week and will be available for the final two friendlies of the summer. Adam Armstrong should continue to be available after a calf knock. Sam Johnstone has stepped up his recovery following shoulder surgery towards the end of last season.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com