Injured Wolves skipper close to full fitness

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy finally received some positive news on the injury front with captain Karl Henry a chance to return on Boxing Day.

McCarthy was missing 11 squad members in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Birmingham at Molineux, which moved the side one point away from the relegation zone.

Henry has not played since injuring knee ligaments in Wolves’ 2-1 loss at Blackpool on November 20, and although he will not be fit for Sunday’s clash with arch rivals West Brom, he could return for the Boxing Day clash with Wigan.

“Karl’s going to be fit quicker than any of us originally thought, but he has no chance of being fit for this weekend,” McCarthy told Express and Star.

“As to whether he’ll be ready for Boxing Day, I don’t know yet. I’m not ruling him out.”

“I’m more concerned with my immediate team, but Karl will be back with us when he’s ready and fit.”

McCarthy is still unsure if David Jones, Michael Mancienne, Steven Mouyokolo, Matt Jarvis or Kevin Doyle will play against West Brom.

“David Jones was out training yesterday but he was just jogging, but no one else of the injured lads has trained.”

“We’re just going to have to wait until later in the week to see if the others will be fit.”

“Steven Fletcher trained yesterday but he’s still feeling the effects of his virus – he didn’t look well yesterday morning and we’re just getting him through it.”