Wolves centre-back Willy Boly could potentially be out of action for another six weeks with a calf problem, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Boly out injured

Wanderers have defended well this season, conceding just 14 goals in 18 Premier League matches, but the Ivory Coast international has been unable to play a key part in his team's campaign.

While Max Kilman, Conor Coady and Romain Saiss have generally been Bruno Lage's go-to back-three, the 30-year-old has not played a minute of league action this term. Boly has been suffering from a calf issue as well as the longstanding effects of a viral infection, and his return to the fold doesn't appear to be edging any closer.

The Latest: Dinnery gives worrying update

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery suggested that Boly could now be unavailable into February, as he provided a bleak update on the defender's situation. He revealed:

"There is good indication that we are looking at a grade-two injury scenario. That is a minimum of three weeks but there is no indication or suggestion that he needs surgery.

"He’s had a bit of a nightmare this season. I would say that we are probably looking at something like four to six weeks. He hasn’t played any Premier League minutes this season. It’s that culmination of having no football and working your way back.

"It’s difficult. That will certainly come into consideration when Bruno Lage is thinking about bringing back into that squad."

The Verdict: Big blow for Boly

Boly has been such a key figure for Wolves until this season, making 137 appearances and winning more headers per game (2.7) than any of his team-mates last term, so it is cruel to see him being robbed of playing time in 2021/22.

However, at the age of 30, it could be that the defender struggles to come back in as the key figure he once was, especially given the fine performances of Kilman, Coady and Saiss, even if Molineux legend Steve Bull hailed him as an "unbelievable player" back in October.

Squad depth is vital, so Boly's eventual return to fitness could play an important role in their quest for European football next season, especially if another defender gets injured.

In other news, Luke Hatfield has made a Wolves January transfer claim. Read more here.