Nuno Espirito Santo continues to maintain he is against the introduction of five substitutes in the Premier League; Conor Coady doubtful for Southampton game; Watch Wolves vs Southampton on Monday Night Football from 7.30pm on Sky Sports Premier League; kick-off 8pm
Friday 20 November 2020 16:18, UK
Nuno Espirito Santo has reiterated that the prospective introduction of five substitutes is not the way to address the "big problem" of the current fixture schedule.
The Wolves boss has barely started preparing his side for Monday's Premier League clash with Southampton live on Sky Sports following his players' respective returns from international duty and associated coronavirus protocols.
But despite the unceasing schedule taking its toll, and this week's news that the EFL is to increase the quota of substitutes, Nuno is refusing to budge in his belief that the top flight should not follow suit.
He said: "It is always a delicate moment when you return after the break, and this tells us that there is a big problem with the scheduling of fixtures - all these things are being discussed and can be improved.
"The calendar is tough for everybody. We always work the details into our minds knowing that every aspect is important - it is a question of trying to make your time with the players as useful as possible.
"It is clear the fixture calendar and the schedule are our biggest worries - it's not about the substitutes, it's about the schedule, and this is the problem solved.
"I don't see a direct situation with the substitutes. When a player has issues the best way is not to play him, and this way you can protect him. So he has to be with rotation, not substitution."
Defender Conor Coady could see his unbroken run of 121 consecutive league matches come to an end after he was forced to leave the England squad and go into self-isolation.
Wolves vs Southampton will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7.30pm on Monday Night Football; kick-off at 8pm. Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.
