Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Cesar Peixoto faces a nervy wait over the fitness of two senior players ahead of Saturday's Championship visit to Watford, after his side were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Portsmouth on Tuesday evening.

Armstrong and Trippier both doubts

Striker Adam Armstrong sat out the weekend win against Burnley, and it remains unclear whether he will be available at Vicarage Road. Kieran Trippier, meanwhile, picked up a knock during or around the Portsmouth fixture, adding fresh anxiety to a Wolves squad that has already been navigating a lengthy casualty list.

Raul Jimenez has been ruled out until January, further thinning Peixoto's attacking options at a point in the season when Wolves can ill afford to be running light up front.

"I hope Adam Armstrong is fit for Saturday," Peixoto told BBC Radio WM. "Kieran Trippier felt something and I hope it is only a little injury. When we have injuries, we need to find solutions."

That final phrase carries the ring of press-release stoicism, but the practical problem is real enough. Wolves have won only two of their five home games at Molineux this season, and Tuesday's late equaliser, conceded in the 86th minute from a rebounded free-kick, will have done nothing to ease the mood in the dressing room.

Late lapse against Portsmouth

The goal itself came about after substitute Tommy Doyle was adjudged to have fouled Adrian Segecic. The resulting free-kick rebounded to Terry Devlin, who struck it into the net. It was the sort of moment that managers describe as "costly" and supporters describe rather more bluntly.

Peixoto was candid about the performance, particularly in the opening half. "In the first half we have to do much more," he said. "We didn't attack the spaces." He acknowledged that his side were the better team across the ninety minutes but pointed to a familiar failing: converting dominance into a cushion that actually makes results safe.

"We were the better team all game, but we only scored one goal, we did not get a second goal and then we defended too deep in the last few minutes," he said. "It's disappointing to get only one point. We need more victories at home."

What this means for the Watford fixture

For Watford, Saturday's match arrives at a difficult moment of their own. The Hornets have endured a turbulent run of form, with the 4-0 defeat to Burnley prompting vocal criticism from supporters and a public statement of dismay from Elton John. Manager Alessio Dionisi has spoken of his anger following that result, and the club's hierarchy is under scrutiny from a fanbase that has largely lost patience with the current direction.

A Wolves side weakened by injuries could represent an opportunity for Watford to arrest their slide, though Peixoto's team remain capable of competing at this level regardless of their personnel problems. The outcome at Vicarage Road will matter to both clubs for very different reasons: Wolves seeking to solidify their position, Watford desperate for any foothold in what has become a grim run.

Whether Armstrong and Trippier are passed fit will be confirmed closer to kick-off. Peixoto's public optimism is the standard managerial position at this stage of the week, and supporters of both clubs would be wise to treat it as such until the team sheets are out.

Saturday's kick-off at Vicarage Road is at 15:00.

Frequently asked

Is Adam Armstrong fit for Wolves vs Watford?
Manager Cesar Peixoto has said he hopes Armstrong will be fit for the Saturday trip to Watford, but the striker missed the previous weekend's fixture and his availability has not been confirmed.
Is Kieran Trippier injured?
Trippier picked up a knock around Wolves' midweek draw with Portsmouth. Peixoto described it as hopefully 'only a little injury' but has not yet cleared him to play.
When do Watford play Wolves?
Watford host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Vicarage Road on Saturday at 15:00.