City boss Paul Lambert has given skipper Grant Holt a 50-50 chance of facing Nottingham Forest at Carrow Road tonight – but key forward Wes Hoolahan looks set to return after a two-match absence.

Holt hobbled through the final 10 minutes of Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Watford, clutching the top of his left leg.

A hamstring injury was the initial fear and though the problem may not be as severe as that, it remains to be seen whether the Canaries' 21-goal top scorer will be risked this evening with four more vital Championship fixtures to follow.

'It's minor at the minute, which is good news. Whether he's ready, I'll wait and see,' said Lambert.

'There's a balancing act. It's 50-50ish. He'll have a fitness test and then we'll see how he is. He's been colossal for us, but if not, whoever plays has an opportunity.'

There was better news of Hoolahan, who missed the trips to Swansea and Watford, which yielded just one point in his absence.

'Wes looks OK at the minute,' said Lambert.

Lambert may lose one of his attacking options next week if Wolves boss Mick McCarthy needs striker Sam Vokes, who can be recalled after the first 28 days of his loan – after City's game at Ipswich on Thursday.

Vokes, who scored at Vicarage Road, is a potential replacement for Holt tonight but his stay may be brief because of the injury crisis at Molineux.

'Sam is Mick's player so you can't do anything when it's not your player. The guy has come in and done great for us and scored a goal, which will do his confidence good,' said Lambert.

'But that's the problem when you have loan players. It's Mick's prerogative, he's the manager of Wolves and he has to do what's right for him.'

Lambert is unlikely to rush Chris Martin back after nine weeks on the sidelines without giving him a practice match first.

Simeon Jackson, with four goals in three games, is one alternative.

'Chrissy has not been playing for two and a bit months. If I want to throw him in I can do it, but it's not a major priority,' he said.

'Simeon's on form and scoring, which will do his confidence the world of good. I've got every belief that the lads who play will do well.'

Midfielder Korey Smith should be available after an eye infection ruled him out of the squad at Watford.