Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered a 1-0 defeat to Racing Santander in a behind-closed-doors training game at Compton. The loss comes just days before their final pre-season friendly against the same Spanish opposition at Molineux on Saturday evening.

What happened in the training match?

Cesar Peixoto's side fielded a mix of young talents, fringe first-team players, and those returning from World Cup breaks. Ladislav Krejci, who captained the team, along with Santi Bueno and Sasa Kalajdzic, were among those given minutes. The Wolves lineup also included Gracey, Tchatchoua, Djiga, Sutherland, Abbey, Traore, Lima, Doyle, Edozie, and Kalajdzic.

Why this match matters for Wolves

The training game provided valuable minutes for players who have had limited pre-season action. With the Premier League season just around the corner, these matches are crucial for building fitness and match sharpness. The inclusion of World Cup returnees like Krejci and Bueno highlights the need to integrate them back into the team dynamics.

What comes next for Wolves?

Wolves will now face Racing Santander again, this time at Molineux, in their final pre-season friendly. The match is scheduled for Saturday evening, with a 5pm kickoff. This will be the last opportunity for Peixoto to fine-tune his squad before the competitive season begins.

Key players to watch

Ladislav Krejci, who captained the side, and Sasa Kalajdzic are key players to watch as they return from their World Cup breaks. Their performance in the upcoming friendly will be closely monitored by fans and management alike.