Wolves defender Jonny could return from a lengthy absence as early as the end of January, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Jonny missing for many months

The 27-year-old is yet to play a single minute of action this season, having picked up a serious knee issue back in April, ending his 2020/21 campaign prematurely.

Jonny may not necessarily have been a huge miss in this campaign, due to the emergence of Rayan Ait-Nouri, but having him back will still be a major shot in the arm for a team on the fringes of challenging for European football.

The left-back is continuing to work hard on his recovery and it looks as though his return could be in sight.

The Latest: Expert provides positive update

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery claimed Jonny could even be back in the fold at the end of next month, also hailing his recovery ability:

"This was a difficult one. It was a recurrence of his ACL rupture in his right knee. It was his ACL and MCL this time around.

"The initial setback put him out for around six months. At the turn of this year, it will have been around eight months for this injury.

"I would err on the side of caution and add that extra month, so it will have been nine months. We know a return before that nine-month period means your chances of a recurrence are enhanced significantly.

"They reduce month on month by about 50 per cent. The longer you can leave these things, the better it is.  We know he is a quick healer. To return after six months from his first injury was pretty remarkable.

"He looks well on schedule. We are maybe looking at the end of January or the beginning of February based on what we know."

The Verdict: Huge boost for Wolves

Jonny is a popular figure at Molineux and having him fit again will feel massive for Bruno Lage, suddenly strengthening his squad options in the second half of the season.

The Spaniard has 95 Wolves appearances to his name and was averaging 1.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the league last season before his injury setback.

He could battle Ait-Nouri for that starting left-back spot, although it is vital that he isn't rushed back, given his injury history and the importance of looking at the long-term picture.

In other news, a pundit has talked up one Wolves hero's potential exit. Find out who it is here.