Zubar back in time for Blues

PORT VALE V WOLVES 5 GD 22 Wolves will welcome back Ronald Zubar to full training tomorrow with a view to the Frenchman being fit for Sunday’s derby against Birmingham.

Zubar missed Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Chelsea with a thigh strain sustained six days ago in training.

But the former Marseille defender has responded to treatment and is expected to join in when Wolves’ squad return to work tomorrow after their day off.

“I think Ronald will train tomorrow, which will be good and a boost to us,” said boss Mick McCarthy.

“It’s just a slight thigh strain, so we’re hoping he’ll be fine.”

McCarthy is also hoping Chris Iwelumo can return to full training after aggravating his broken metatarsal. His recovery has been speeded up by working on the ‘G-Trainer’ used by NASA astronauts that allows athletes to run using a smaller percentage of their body weight.

“He’s hoping he might train this week so we’ll just have to see,” said the boss. “It would be a boost. We might decide to keep him back though.

“He’s been on the ‘space runner’ quite a bit – I might have a go myself!”

Meanwhile, Carl Ikeme is set to return to Wolves after his month’s loan at Charlton expired after last night’s 4-2 win against Bristol Rovers.

McCarthy had been expecting a call from Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell to take the third choice keeper on loan to Bramall Lane, but that never materialised and the 23-year-old is expected back at Compton following the return to fitness of Addicks’ first choice Rob Elliot.

Ikeme has played five games for Charlton, winning two and losing two and conceding nine goals.

“They (Charlton) haven’t sent him back or asked to keep him – I’ve heard nothing so far,” said McCarthy.

Matt Murray remains under treatment for his knee injury.

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