Wolves centre-back Max Kilman could be available for the opening game of the season after recovering from injury, according to fitness expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Kilman a huge player

Wanderers were resolute in defence last season, conceding 43 goals in 38 Premier League games, and Kilman was a big reason for that success.

The Englishman enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in a back-three alongside Conor Coady and Romain Saiss, starting 30 league games and averaging 2.2 aerial duel wins per match.

Unfortunately, an ankle injury kept Kilman out of action from April onwards, however, and he faces a race to be fit for the opening game at Leeds United on August 6.

The Latest: Expert gives Wolves big boost

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery claims that the 25-year-old will be available, having made a 'surprise' behind-scenes comeback during pre-season:

"Everything is in place for him to be raring to go. Bruno Lage always maintained that his target was going to be game week one and we have seen him working individually ahead of that return.

"Maybe the fact that he played in that behind-the-closed doors game against Burnley came a bit of a surprise. That was maybe seven days earlier than I expected him.

"But it looks like he has come through that with no problem. Now, it’s just a case of reintegrating him and ramping up those minutes. Barring any setbacks or reaction, I fully expect him to be vying for a place in that starting XI come game week one."

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The Verdict: Time to find another gear

This is a massive boost for Wolves, with Kilman hailed as 'outstanding' by Coady and his performances becoming more dominant by the season.

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Nathan Collins has arrived from Burnley in a big-money deal and the hope is that he, Kilman and Coady can thrive in a three-man defence, following Saiss' summer departure.

It is Wolves' returning hero who is arguably their most important defender, however, and the 2022/23 campaign could see him find another gear and push for regular spots in the England squad, potentially even squeezing his way into Gareth Southgate's World Cup plans.