Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Vitor Pereira has revealed that Matheus Cunha will not start against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
Despite contributing 13 goals and four assists in the Premier League this season, the West Midlands outfit have put together their best run of form without the Brazil international in their squad.
With Cunha serving a four-match suspension, Wolves have earned 10 points from games against Everton, Southampton, West Ham United and Ipswich Town.
Nevertheless, it remained a possibility that Pereira would choose to hand the club's most prized asset an immediate recall in place of Marshall Munetsi.
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Pereira delivers Cunha verdict
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Pereira was naturally quizzed as to whether he was prepared to change a winning team to accommodate Cunha.
However, the Portuguese made it clear that he was prepared to keep faith with his current lineup having retained the same team.
Speaking to reporters, Pereira said: "We won the last three games, playing consistently, tactically and mentally. It is fair to play with the same team."
He added that Cunha "understands and remains committed" to Wolves, amid continuing reports that he is interested in a transfer to a bigger club that will challenge for titles and trophies in the summer.
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The correct and only decision
While there is no doubt that Cunha is Wolves' best player who brings the most flair to the team, this is now a club that is prepared to move on without him.
Possessing a £62.5m release clause and attracting the attention of an array of Premier League sides, it is clear that the two parties could go their separate ways in the summer.
Pereira would be risking the harmony of the current XI if he made an unforced alteration, particularly when he has been outspoken in his praise of Munetsi.
Despite not offering the same goal threat as Cunha, the Zimbabwe international's presence has led to a hot streak for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
You can read more about the impact that Munetsi has made at Molineux by clicking here.
Darren Plant
