Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce says Andy Carroll expects him to make a swift return from his groin strain.

Carroll, who has recently recovered from a career-threatening ankle injury, strained his groin after coming on for his fourth appearance of the season - all of which have come as a substitute - against Chelsea on Saturday.

"It's not his ankle thankfully," Bruce said.

"Everybody can pick up those type of niggles, especially when you're sitting on the bench for a while, and he's come on and overstretched, it's one of those things.

"It's fortunate that his ankle is good and the way we're managing his ankle is good news, so there's nobody more disappointed than Andy, but these things happen.

"He was manoeuvring into a position to start. It's not to be, it's disappointing for everybody, but we've got to carry on."

Newcastle will be without Fabian Schar for the first time this season for the visit of Wolves, but Bruce is optimistic the Swiss centre-back could return along with Carroll to face West Ham the following weekend.

"Fab Schar's had a bit of a sore knee, which he's been playing with for the last two-three weeks and last Saturday became too uncomfortable for him," Bruce said.

"They'll both miss tomorrow. They could be in contention for next week. We expect them not to be long term."