Wolverhampton Wanderers may have to keep Adama Traore at Molineux after Chiquinho suffered a long-term injury ahead of the new season, according to journalist Josh Holland.
Traore is back in the West Midlands after spending the second half of last season on loan with Barcelona and the La Liga giants opted against making his switch permanent for £29million.
GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict
What's the latest news involving Chiquinho?
Chiquinho injured his anterior cruciate ligament during a behind-closed-doors friendly with Burnley earlier this month, resulting in him having to go under the knife and endure a lengthy rehabilitation period.
It is understood that the winger could be on the sidelines for up to nine months, meaning he will be unavailable for a sizeable chunk of the upcoming campaign.
It is a cruel blow for Chiquinho, who only joined Wolves for an initial fee of £3million from Portuguese side Estoril in January.
Upon his arrival, Wolves technical director Scott Sellars claimed Chiquinho has the potential to 'develop into an excellent signing' and he started to gain opportunities towards the end of last season.
The 22-year-old grabbed three assists in just 216 minutes of action, underlining his talent, but Lage will be unable to call upon the wide-man for a prolonged period of time.
What has Josh Holland said about Chiquinho?
Holland believes Chiquinho's injury lay-off could present Traore with an opportunity to revive his Wolves career.
The journalist feels the Molineux-based outfit may have to halt their attempts to sell the Spaniard as a result of the pre-season setback.
Holland told GIVEMESPORT: "It certainly makes the situation a lot more difficult, I think.
"Even in their first pre-season game against Burnley, a lot of talk was of Chiquinho breaking into the first-team and challenging Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto.
"Obviously, that can't happen anymore, so it may force Wolves' hand."
Why have Wolves been looking to sell Traore?
Traore has entered the final 12 months of his £46,000-per-week contract, leaving Wolves in a precarious position and being willing to offload him for as little as £10million.
Holland has previously told GIVEMESPORT that the 26-year-old, who has made 154 appearances for his current employers, has no interest in remaining in the West Midlands.
Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Leeds United are interested in the winger, while Everton are also understood to be mulling over whether to head to the negotiating table.
However, Traore has suffered a pre-season blow of his own as he left Wolves' pre-season camp in Alicante after sustaining a hamstring injury.