Julen Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui has been impressed by Hwang Hee-chan since his return from the World Cup and could start the forward at Everton. Hwang stepped off the bench to inspire Wolves against Gillingham on Tuesday, assisting both goals in a 2-0 win for the Premier League side. He also made a goal in Wolves’ friendly with Cadiz last week after scoring an historic winner for South Korea against Portugal at the World Cup. After a run of poor form, Hwang seems to be rediscovering his touch in a Wolves shirt and Lopetegui could unleash him on Everton. Wolves travel to Goodison Park to take on the Toffees on Boxing Day as the Premier League finally returns.
Julien Lopetegui said: “I think he has come back in very good condition. He started the World Cup with an injury. Now, he is ready to play. He is one player I like and he is ready to work with us. We will see if he is going to play or not in the next matches because we have different players to choose from. Depending on the little details, we are going to choose one or another player.”
Another player who could come into Lopetegui’s starting line-up is Raul Jimenez. The Mexican scored a penalty in the win over Gillingham after coming on as a 70th minute substitute. Jimenez hasn’t started a game for club or country since August due to a groin problem but Lopetegui insists ‘he is improving’ physically.
Julien Lopetegui added: “We are going to see if he has improved enough to play in the next match. I think he has ups in the last matches, scoring a penalty and working in a good way for the team. We will see whether he is going to be in the next match. We are going to try to choose the best option to start the match against Everton. It’s going to be a very different match to Gillingham. We are going to be ready and choose the best line-up.”
