Wolves defender ruled out for up to four months

It's believed the 29-year-old suffered a broken foot in training last week and will be out of action for between three and four months, meaning he won't return until mid-March at the earliest.

Silvio's last Wolves appearance came in Walter Zenga's final match in charge – the 1-0 defeat to Leeds United in October in which the full back put through his own net for the only goal of the game.

That was his third appearance in a Wolves shirt.

He made his debut in the EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park and then also started the 2-1 league loss to Wigan Athletic in late September.

With the Portuguese international having signed a one year contract (with the option of a second season) when he joined Wolves from Atletico Madrid in the summer, it must be questioned whether he will play for the club again.

His absence will heighten Paul Lambert's need to bring in defensive recruits in the January transfer window.

With Dominic Iorfa dropped for the 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest yesterday, Conor Coady filled in at right back.

Silvio joins a lengthy absentee list at Compton Park which includes Andy Lonergan, Mike Williamson, Lee Evans, Prince Oniangue, Ola John, Jordan Graham, Michal Zyro and Joe Mason.

However there are signs of that number decreasing with Mason and Williamson due to play for the under-23s against West Ham United on Monday evening, while Oniangue may soon be available for the first team after featuring for the under-23s last week.

Mason has been sidelined with a hernia problem for almost two months.

Williamson has been out of action for more than a year with a complicated series of issues relating to his hamstring and tendons.