Wolverhampton Wanderers will be without Diogo Jota against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. The 23-year-old has not recovered from a dead leg suffered in Wolves’ 2-1 defeat to Watford on New Year’s Day.
Nuno Espirito Santo said: “He had a strong impact, fluid and blood on the injury, he’s going to be scanned again next week. After the scan we wait and determine better his return.”
It’s a blow for Nuno as Jota has been in fine form this season. The Portuguese international has made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating 14 goals, and could have started against Newcastle if fit.
In his absence, Nuno should turn to Pedro Neto in attack alongside Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore. The 19-year-old has contributed six goals in 24 games this season and often replaced Jota from the bench.
He started ahead of the 23-year-old against Watford too, so Nuno won’t have any reservations starting him on Saturday.
Wolves are coming off the back of consecutive defeats and desperately need a win to keep up their pursuit of a top-six finish.
How will Wolverhampton Wanderers fare against Newcastle United?
Win
Draw
Lose
After 21 games, the Midlands outfit sit seventh in the Premier League table with 30 points. Wolves are one point behind fifth-placed Manchester United and sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur ahead of gameweek 22.
Victory over Newcastle could see Nuno’s men end the weekend in a Europa League spot if results go their way. They’ll have to do it without Jota, however.
