Pedro Neto has had a setback in his recuperation from a knee injury, according to Bruno Lage.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers player of the year, Neto, suffered a broken kneecap during the team’s 1-0 victory over Fulham in April.

The winger hasn’t played since, but an October return date was previously suggested. But there have been new rumors that Neto has had a setback and may need to spend a longer period of time in the treatment area.

Although Lage has acknowledged that Neto’s recovery hasn’t gone exactly as planned, the head coach of the Wolves thinks the 21-year-old could still make a comeback before the end of the year.

“Pedro is a process,” he said. “Our best idea is to return by the end of October, November. Let’s see what happens.”

Asked whether Neto has suffered a setback, Lage added: “Yes. It happens. Maybe he needs a couple more weeks to return.

“The best scenario would be in the end of October, beginning of November – maybe two or three weeks so in December he could be available. The most important thing is for him to recover.”

Lage has also been without defenders Willy Boly and Yerson Mosquera in the opening weeks of the season due to hamstring injuries.

Boly has now returned to training and could be available for Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United at Molineux, but Mosquera is still a little way away.

Lage added: “Boly has started working like Daniel (Podence) – two or three days – I think he needs more time. Maybe he can be available in the next game. Yerson is maybe one or two more weeks.”