Steve Evans has confirmed that captain Sol Bamba is unlikely to return to action for Leeds United until after this weekend's meeting with Charlton Athletic.
The 30-year-old, who has made 15 appearances for the Whites this term, has been out of action since last month's international break due to a fractured toe.
Evans spoke earlier this week about the centre-back's importance to the team but, despite returning to training over the past few days, Bamba is not expected to play any part at The Valley on Saturday.
"Sol is back in training but I think the medical staff are almost intimating to me that Saturday might be, believe it or not, two days too early, that it would be different if the game was Monday," he is quoted as saying by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
"But it's not Monday of course. We'll give him every opportunity but if the big man doesn't make Saturday then he's fully and wholly available for Wolves for selection.
"I'm always guided by the medical staff, I am never one to overrule them but I want Sol Bamba out there as quickly as I can so I'll certainly give him every opportunity but that's the way the medical team were hinting this morning."
Bamba has missed three games running for United as a result of his injury, with Liam Cooper and Giuseppe Bellusci being paired together in the heart of defence.
