Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi has been dealt a major blow to his January hopes.
The Reds' top transfer target Dwight Gayle will face up the three months on the sidelines after picking up an injury in action for Newcastle United.
Toon boss Steve Bruce revealed his frustration at the news that has for him been the final straw during a season that has seen Gayle's progress hindered by injury.
The striker, who hit 26 goals for West Bromwich Albion last term, started the season with a calf injury but after fighting back to full fitness, and a rare start for the Magpies, he was forced off against Wolves.
At first, the injury was thought to be a minor one, but Bruce has now revealed that news is far worse than first expected.
"With Dwight it will be the bog standard one between four to six weeks," he told the media.
"It's not great news. It has been a huge disappointment. The whole thing has.
"He was injured in pre-season with a calf and then, because the team did quite well, he spent time on the bench.
"It's a blow - but it is what it is."
Forest remain desperate to add a striker to their ranks this month after loan flop Rafa Mir had his loan spell from Wolves terminated.
He’s since moved to Spanish outfit Huesca on an 18-month deal.
The Reds retain an interest in Brighton's Glenn Murray and Aston Villa forward Jonathan Kodjia, while target Che Adams looks set to stay and fight for his place at Southampton and the financial demands within the Dwight Gayle deal make that one unlikley.
