Wolves suffer injury blow ahead of Newcastle United clash as key man withdraws from international duty

Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina has withdrawn from international duty with Gabon after picking up an injury during their draw with Nottingham Forest. Gary O’Neil’s side are yet to win a Premier League game this season and had to settle for a point at the City Ground on Saturday following Chris Wood’s early opener - one that was quickly cancelled out by a stunning strike from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.

Lemina, meanwhile, captained the side in a role that was given to him following Maximilian Kilman’s move to West Ham earlier this summer. The Gabonese international went down in pain during the clash with Forets, but was able to continue and finish the game.

However, he won’t feature for his country during the international break and will miss games against Morocco and Central African Republic. Wolves will be hopeful that the former Southampton man is fit enough to face Newcastle United on Sunday 15 September when the Premier League makes its return.

The Magpies have not enjoyed a good recent record at Molineux and have not won there since February 2017 - a game that took place in the Championship and was won by a solitary goal from Aleksandar Mitrovic on the stroke of half-time. Wolves currently sit in the Premier League’s relegation zone after three games whilst Newcastle ended the first part of the season in 5th place and are among a group of seven teams that still boast an unbeaten league record.