Why West Brom are to cross fingers after Wolves Kieran Tripper update

Wolverhampton Wanderers are sweating on Kieran Trippier's fitness ahead of West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies travel to Molineux on Sunday for the latest renewal of the Black Country derby.

Bragging rights are there to be reclaimed for Albion, after Wanderers ran out 2-0 winners at The Hawthorns in January 2024.

It will be difficult for the bookies to pick a favourite ahead of this one, as both sides hold solid claims as being the more likely to take three points.

Wanderers boss Cesar Peixoto is dealing with a handful of injury issues to his side.

One of those is veteran defender Trippier, and if he can't go, then West Brom will be licking their lips at his likely replacement.

What has Cesar Peixoto said about Kieran Trippier's fitness ahead of West Brom?

Having signed for Wolves in the summer on a free transfer following his Newcastle release, Trippier is one of the most accomplished players in the Championship.

A 54-cap England international and with vast quantities of Premier League, LA Liga and European competition experience, he's some player for Wolves to have.

Unfortunately for Wanderers, the now-36-year-old may not be available for selection come 12pm on Sunday.

Quoted via Talking Wolves on X, Wanderers boss Peixoto has offered a less than convincing injury update on the right-back.

"He felt something in the training session," the 46-year-old ex-Gil Vicente gaffer said.

"But we try to manage to put more minutes, step by step, to bring him to stay with us, then we think he’s an option for the game."

So, who would be Trippier's likely stand-in if he can't play against West Brom, and why will Albion be praying this is the case?

How poor has Jackson Tchatchoua been for Wolves this season?

Signed from Hellas Verona as part of Wolves' Premier League rebuild last summer, Jackson Tchatchoua hasn't enjoyed a great time of things at Molineux.

He started 19 of his 31 Premier League outings last term, and has started five of his six Championship games so far this season.

But, he's far from impressed for the Old Gold, and would present a weak spot in Wanderers' backline for West Brom's forwards to exploit.

As per FotMob, he's won just 53.9 per cent of his duels in the Championship this season.

He's also averaging a mere 1.00 tackles won, 0.80 interceptions and just 0.20 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.

Tchatchoua's passing has also been very uninspiring, completing just 78.9 per cent of his passes accurately.

So, the likes of Isaac Price and Jimmy-Jay Morgan, if they play, would surely relish the chance to go up against the Cameroonian international on Sunday.