Nuno also revealed defender Jesus Vallejo is returning to Real Madrid early after his loan move to Molineux 'did not work out', and that Willy Boly is back training on the grass as he recovers from ankle surgery.

Jota will miss the United clash with an injury sustained in the 2-1 defeat at Watford on New Year's Day, when taken down by Christian Kabasele – initially awarded a yellow card but then changed to a red after a VAR intervention.

On Jota, Nuno said: "Not good. Unfortunately, Jota is not available.

"In the last game, in the moment of the red card – even though there was no intention from Kabasele at all – there was a strong impact.

"It's not good. Every time a player is not available, it's not good. He's being assessed.

"I don't know (how long he will be out). He's being assessed and we have to wait for all the blood to go down, so the doctor can evaluate him better. Then, we'll have a proper diagnosis."

Cutrone could take Jota's place against United, although he has been linked with a move back to Italy.

When asked if the £16million summer signing from AC Milan could leave this month, Nuno said: "We will have to wait and see. Let's wait and see."

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One player Nuno did say is on his way out is Vallejo after struggling to adjust to the demands of the Premier League.

"Jesus Vallejo is going, because he wants to play. He's a young, talented player that we brought here with high expectations, but it didn't work out," said Nuno.

“So, it's time for him to go and find a club where he can play and keep on progressing because the talent is there.

“He had moments that he played, he had moments he performed well and some moments he didn't perform so well.

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“That's the case of Vallejo. Clearly, it didn't work out."

But as Vallejo leaves, fellow defender Boly has moved a step closer to returning from injury.

Nuno added: "He's running already on the pitch, and I'm so happy to see that.

"It's good. We've not set a date, but he's already running on the pitch, so that's a good sign."