Another attacking blow for Julen Lopetegui and Wolves ahead of Brighton

The former Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla boss Lopetegui will officially take charge on November 14 – with Steve Davis remaining in interim charge ahead of Saturday’s home match against Brighton.

The club confirmed Lopetegui will take over at Molineux following the game against Arsenal, which is the last ahead of the World Cup break.

He will however be keeping a close eye on proceedings as Wolves will be without suspended striker Diego Costa for their home game against Brighton. Costa starts a three-game ban after being sent off for violent conduct in last week’s draw at Brentford, while midfielder Matheus Nunes is rated 50/50.

Nunes was forced out at Brentford after hurting his shoulder and will be assessed. Raul Jimenez (groin), Toti Gomes, Pedro Neto (ankle) and Sasa Kalajdzic (knee) are still out.

“It’s just been a challenge,” Davis said. “I’ve tackled it as a coach rather than a fan. Initially there was a lot said about (me) being a supporter.

“But after a few days, that realisation comes to fruition and you know what you’ve got to do, where you are and what you’ve got to change.

“You switch into that manager/coach mode very quickly and what we’ve tried to do is change the mentality, get the players to fight more, because we know the football is there.”

Danny Welbeck could feature for Brighton for the trip to Molineux. Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that the striker is fit, but hinted he may not tinker too much with the team that beat Chelsea 4-1 last time out. The Seagulls are also waiting on the fitness of Joel Veltman after he missed the Blues game with a calf injury.

Albion boss De Zerbi added: “Danny Welbeck is good, I don’t know if he starts because the team that started against Chelsea did well. Joel Veltman could be ready to play, we still have to decide whether he’s ready.”