Wolves will be without star striker Diego Costa when they travel to St. James' Park this weekend to face Newcastle United after he was ruled out by manager Julen Lopetegui.
The 34-year-old former Spain international could spend up to a month watching on from the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in the first half of Wolves’ 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Despite having to be stretchered off in the 28th minute at Molineux, further scans after the match have shown that he managed to avoid a long-term injury but will still have to sit out this weekend's clash at the very least.
READ MORE: Give us your Newcastle United XI as Eddie Howe faces tough Wolves selection dilemma
READ MORE: Eddie Howe issues Alexander Isak fitness warning when asked why Newcastle star hasn't started games
"He is out," Lopetegui admitted at this afternoon's pre-match press conference. "He had an injury in the last match. Fortunately it’s not very severe, but he has to be out for - I don’t know how many weeks - two, three, four weeks maybe."
Other Wolves players that could miss out are striker Hwang Hee-Chan and midfielder Boubacar Traore who are both set to undergo late fitness tests in order to have them fully ready for Sunday's game.
Players suffering from long-term injuries like Sasa Kalajdzic and Francisco Tavares Oliveira will both miss out while Hugo Bueno is also out with his thigh injury he suffered last month.
Wolves predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Jose Sa; Nelson Semedo, Craig Dawson, Max Kilman, Jonny; Mario Lemina, Ruben Neves; Pablo Sarabia, Matheus Nunes, Pedro Neto, Raul Jiminez.
READ NEXT:
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sends message to Liverpool owner John Henry after spending limit call
Newcastle United hit by fresh injury blow with January signing sidelined
Champions League finish is a step too far as Newcastle United fans lay down expectations
Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle 'knocks' as he delivers Schar and Bruno fitness updates
Newcastle United jetting to Dubai for mid-season training camp this month
