Wolves fans watched Matheus Cunha make his return to action last night in the 1-1 draw with Burnley – and the player posted a heartfelt message on social media after the game.
Wolves took a point at Turf Moor, against a Burnley side that made life difficult.
Burnley took the lead through Jacob Bruun Larsen, who converted brilliantly on the volley after a cross to the back post.
But Wolves got back on level terms on the stroke of half-time. Rayan Ait-Nouri, who had won a fairly soft free-kick, ghosted into the box to nod home Pablo Sarabia‘s delivery.
Jose Sa was in fine fettle in Lancashire, and made a string of good saves to keep the scoreline as it was.
Wolves did have one glorious chance to take the lead through Ait-Nouri. But the Algerian couldn’t convert and also overlooked young Leon Chiwome, who was in a good position next to him.
It was not the worst result in the world. But Wolves fans at least got to see the return of Cunha. And the Brazilian checked in with fans after the game…
Matheus Cunha sends message on Instagram after making return from injury for Wolves as Diego Costa responds
Gary O’Neil had said on Monday that Cunha would definitely be in the squad against Burnley. It was just about how much he would feature.
In the end, he replaced Chiwome with around 15 minutes to go.
He could not inspire Wolves to victory, but supporters were simply delighted to see him back out there. Cunha has been a huge player this season for Wolves and has been missed in recent weeks.
The 24-year-old has scored 11 goals and made seven assists in 29 appearances this season, and had been in his best form since joining the club before suffering his hamstring injury.
He’s back now though, and his return to form cannot come soon enough.
He took to Instagram last night to mark his return to the side, writing in typically humble fashion: “The work wasn’t easy, but I’m very happy to be back before! Thank you to everyone who helped at the club, thanks a Lot. My staff, and my family. Now time to enjoy. Thank you God, the glory always comes from you.”
Fans in their hundreds expressed their delight in the comments.
And there were also a few responses from his teammates, with Dan Bentley writing ‘Welcome back’ and Joao Gomes saying ‘Bravo’.
There was also a response from former Wolves striker Diego Costa, who was clearly pleased for Cunha. He sent a few raised hands emojis and also a heart. Cunha affectionately replied ‘I love you old man’.
Costa and Cunha were particularly close last season, and Costa told Cunha that he would miss him when the veteran was leaving Molineux last summer.
Cunha return is huge for Wolves
There were some positives from last night’s 1-1 draw with Burnley and Cunha’s return to action was most definitely one.
The star has become such an influential player for Wanderers, and his absence has really been felt in the last few games against Burnley, Aston Villa and Coventry City.
The injury situation at Wolves at the moment is concerning, with O’Neil addressing it after last night’s game and telling reporters how he made the board aware of his concerns.
But hopefully, Cunha can help get Wolves back on track now, in the absence of Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan, who should hopefully be back in a couple of weeks.