Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui hopes to welcome back Jonny Castro Otto and Boubacar Traore for their Boxing Day trip to Everton.
The Spaniard took charge of his first competitive game since arriving at Molineux in November, leading his side to a comfortable 2-0 win against Gillingham in the Carabao Cup last night for which he picked a very strong side.
Injured duo Jonny and Boubacar were both absent, however, with the pair suffering minor problems during the World Cup break. Traore's issue looked to be more serious, with the 21-year-old going for a scan on a groin injury picked up during their mid-season break in Marbella.
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But Lopetegui, speaking after last night's win and progression into the fifth round of the Carabao Cup, provided a brief update on the midfielder: "In Marbella he was injured and we think he can be fit for the next match. We will see."
On Jonny, he added: "He tried to come back with us but he has a little problem. I think he will be ready for the next match. I hope, but I don’t know for sure. He hasn’t recuperated at the moment.”
The former Sevilla and Spanish international team manager will take charge of his first ever Premier League game on Boxing Day when he arrives at Goodison Park. Wolves spent the festive break bottom of the league after winning just one of their final eight games.
Everton sit just one point and one place above the bottom three, with Monday's meeting a crucial chance for either to kick the second-half of the campaign off with optimism. Frank Lampard's side themselves are on a dismal run of form, having failed to score in their last three league games.
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