The international break is once again upon us, and Wolves will see several players involved in national team duty while others remain with the squad at Molineux. As the managerless club seeks to steady the ship for the remainder of the season, these call-ups will present both opportunities and challenges for the club. Below, we’ll take a look at each Wolves player representing their country, as well as a look at two high-profile absentees, whose omission may actually be a positive for the club. Written by Luke Fletcher.
Emmanuel Agbadou – Ivory Coast
Emmanuel Agbadou has been called up for the Ivory Coast, who have already secured World Cup qualification, and will play friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Oman. Agbadou has been in and out of the starting lineup recently, and after starting against Fulham, he was sent off. The centre back will be hoping he can use this international break to help rediscover his form from last season. In the previous international break, Agbadou featured in both games, a 7-0 win over Seychelles, and was even on the score sheet. He also played the full 90 in Ivory Coast’s 3-0 victory over Kenya.
Jørgen Strand Larsen – Norway
Strand Larsen has earned himself another call-up for Norway despite his recent poor form, with just one Premier League goal. He is expected to play a part in Norway’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Italy. Last time out, he came off the bench in the 76th minute against Israel and the 64th minute against New Zealand. Being a striker in a team with Erling Haaland is no easy task. Wolves will hope that his involvement keeps him match-sharp ahead of crucial club fixtures, though his absence from club training and the risk of injury will be a worry.
David Møller Wolfe – Norway
David Møller Wolfe adds to Wolves’ Norwegian contingent. The wing-back has started both the previous international fixtures, playing 76 minutes in the 5-0 thrashing of Israel and playing the full 90 in the 1-1 draw with New Zealand. Having just managed to get himself back into the Wolves squad, he will be hoping to keep himself sharp for Wolves’ battle for survival.
Hwang Hee-chan – South Korea
Another international call-up for Hwang Hee-chan, who has 73 international caps for his country. Not in great form for his club at the moment and was an unused substitute in South Korea’s friendlies against Brazil and Paraguay. He will be hoping to be involved this time and add to his 16 goals for his country.
José Sá – Portugal
José Sá, who has recently lost his starting place at Wolves to Sam Johnstone, continues to retain the trust of Portugal manager Roberto Martínez. The experienced goalkeeper has once again been called up to the Portugal squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia. With Diogo Costa and Rui Silva also included in the team, it is unlikely Sá will feature; however, his continued involvement shows the regard he is still held in at international level, despite his recent struggles for minutes at Molineux.
Tawanda Chirewa – Zimbabwe
Tawanda Chirewa has been named in Zimbabwe’s squad for their upcoming friendly against Algeria, giving him the chance to gain further international experience. Interestingly, Marshall Munetsi, who usually captains the national team, has been left out this time, providing an unusual opportunity for other players in the squad to step up and make an impact during the break.
Tolu Arokodare – Nigeria
Tolu Arokodare has been called up to Nigeria’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying playoff campaign. The Super Eagles face Gabon, which former Wolves player Mario Lemina represents.
If they win this, they advance to the final, where they could potentially face Cameroon, which could pit Tolu against teammate Jackson Tchatchoua. Arokodare will be hoping to continue his strong international form and help guide Nigeria one step closer to qualifying for the World Cup.
Jackson Tchatchoua – Cameroon
Jackson Tchatchoua is expected to be part of the Cameroon squad for their crucial World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against DR Congo. Should Cameroon progress, they will face the winner of Nigeria vs. Gabon, which could set up an intriguing meeting with his Wolves teammate, Tolu Arokodare, in the final.
However, Jackson’s inclusion is yet to be officially announced amid growing tension between Cameroon head coach Marc Brys and the Cameroonian Football Federation. Reportedly, Brys has already submitted his squad list for the decisive fixtures, but the Federation is refusing to release it until the Belgian coach travels to Yaoundé to announce it formally at a press conference, creating uncertainty just days before the crucial matches.
Not Called Up – André & João Gomes
Perhaps the biggest surprise this international break is that neither André nor João Gomes has been selected for Brazil. While some may see this as disappointing for the pair, it could actually prove to be a blessing in disguise for Wolves.
With both midfielders staying behind at Compton, they will have two weeks to work with Wolves’ new manager, should one be appointed. Given their importance to Wolves’ midfield, this extra time on the training pitch could be invaluable as the team looks to stabilise.
U21 Callups
Some of Wolves’ younger players are also getting some international recognition this month, with four of the U21 side getting call-ups. Makenzie Bradbury has been called up to the Wales U19 squad for three friendlies against Japan, the United States and Germany, while Josh Gracey joins up with Northern Ireland U19 as they face Malta, Azerbaijan and Czechia in the Euro U19 Qualifiers. There’s also a first-ever Scotland U21 call-up for Ethan Sutherland, who has been rewarded for his outstanding form this season, registering 11 goal contributions in just 15 appearances for the Old Gold. He will take part in two Euro U21 Qualifiers, away to Gibraltar and at home to Bulgaria. Meanwhile, Lewys Benjamin has also been selected for the Wales U21, who take on Belarus on Friday, 14th November.
This international break sees several Wolves players away on national team duty, gaining valuable experience in friendlies and competitive fixtures. At the same time, others remain at Molineux, allowing the squad to work closely in training and prepare for the next Premier League fixtures. While absences can be challenging, the break offers Wolves a chance to regroup, recover, and build momentum ahead of the busy run-in.
