Bruno Lage: 'Diego Costa in contention for Wolverhampton Wanderers start'

Earlier this month, Lage was forced into the free agent market courtesy of new signing Sasa Kalajdzic suffering a serious knee injury on his debut.

Wolves moved quickly to sign former Chelsea forward Costa, who has been without a club since departing Atletico Mineiro at the turn of the year.

Instead of being handed an immediate outing against Manchester City on September 17, Costa was given an extra two weeks to build up his fitness ahead of October's fixtures.

When quizzed on the 33-year-old at a press conference on Friday afternoon, Lage suggested that Costa could be used from the opening whistle at the London Stadium.

Speaking to reporters, as quoted by Express & Star journalist Liam Keen, Lage said: "It was good to have this week. After Sasa and Raul injuries, the team now has a striker training with the team (Costa) and the vibe is very good. He's given us a lot of energy. We are a different team when we have a striker.

"Lets see tomorrow. He spent a long time without training and playing, but from what I've watched he's training very well."

Lage was also asked about the current situation regarding Raul Jimenez, who has not been available since withdrawing from the squad for the game with Southampton on September 3 shortly before kickoff.

After spending time with the Mexico squad during the international break, it was suggested by boss Gerardo Martino that Jimenez may not be fit for the World Cup.

That has effectively ruled Jimenez out of returning versus the Hammers this weekend and Lage would not be drawn on a potential comeback date for the frontman.

The Portuguese added: "Everyone is talking about that, but it's better to wait for a statement from our medical department. He is an important player."

Wolves make the trip to the capital as the joint lowest goalscorers in the Premier League, netting just three goals alongside their upcoming opponents.

Only Daniel Podence (twice) and Ruben Neves have found the back of the net in top-flight fixtures.