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Nouha Dicko shares opinion on being made to train with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Under-23s

New Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Walter Zenga (REUTERS)
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The Molineux favourite is building up his fitness away from the first team

Nouha Dicko scores the second goal for WolvesNouha Dicko scores for Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Nouha Dicko has shared his thoughts on training with the club’s under-23 side in the Express & Star.

Dicko has been absent for more than a year with a cruciate ligament injury, while a setback scuppered his plans to return in time for pre-season training.

As such, Wolves are treading carefully with the man who scored 15 goals two seasons ago, keeping him away from the first-team set up and building up his fitness in the Under-23s.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Nouha Dicko in action with Hull City's Isaac HaydenDicko in action against Hull City

However, despite expressing a desire to return to Walter Zenga’s plans already, Dicko is accepting of the Italian coach’s stance.

“I think it’s the right thing for me to be patient and play some more under-23 football,” he told the Express & Star.

“It’s been a year. Sometimes your body doesn’t follow straight away and I need to get used to it. So for my confidence etc I think I need to play some more games here.

“Obviously I wish I could play now with the first team. It’s coming. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.

“I’m still not quite there, but I’m improving.

“As the manager said it’s important to get these things right and not to rush me back into games. I’m quite happy with it.

New Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Walter ZengaWalter Zenga

“Obviously I would like now to play with the first team, but if my body is not ready there’s no point rushing me back for two or three weeks and then pick up a small injury, I really don’t need that.”

Wolves, who were acquired by Chinese conglomerate Fosun International in July, made a total of 13 new signings during the summer transfer window, including forwards Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, Paul Gladon and Ivan Cavaleiro.

With Joe Mason for company too, there is little need for Dicko to be rushed back to action, while the ability of Bodvarsson and Cavaleiro to play in other positions should give the Frenchman hope that he will eventually win back his place.

Portugal's Ivan Cavaleiro and Sweden's Oscar Lewicki in actionIvan Cavaleiro (centre)