Michael Kightly out of Wolves squad

Michael Kightly was the shock omission today as Wolves revealed their 25-man Premier League squad.

Kightly has suffered a further setback in his bid to recover from knee injuries and has been left off boss Mick McCarthy's list ahead of today's 5pm deadline.

The grim news means the winger cannot play in the Premier League until January at the earliest.

It is the latest blow for the 24-year-old, who thought he had won his battle to recover from chronic inflammation of the patella tendons in both knees.

But the former England under-21 international broke down when he rejoined full training with his team-mates at the end of last week.

McCarthy explained: "He hasn't played since last November and it would be very difficult to go straight back into the Premier League.

"So when he's ready, we'll discuss the possibility of going out on loan, which he can do before we can revise the squad in January."

Head of medical Steve Kemp added: "This is a very complex injury. It's not a major setback, it's expected from this type of rehab.

"Rather than trying to get him back to Premier League football in a certain timespan, the gaffer has decided to take the pressure off by leaving him out for now."

Kightly's place has gone to Marcus Bent, signed on loan from Birmingham yesterday until January.

Matt Hill, who can be loaned to a Football League club, is the only other omission from the squad.

Geoffrey Mujangi Bia, who is expected to be fit in two weeks after a thigh injury, does not need to be named in the 25 as he is under 21.

Thirty-two-year-old Bent is looking to use all his experience to aid Wolves.

He said: "I'm sure the boys will teach me some stuff and I hope I can teach them some."