Wolves defender Richard Stearman today confirmed he could play with his broken wrist in a cast.

Manager Mick McCarthy ruled Stearman out for a minimum of four weeks after he underwent surgery to have a metal plate and screws inserted in his joint on Monday.

But his recovery time has been slashed after a carbon fibre cast was made for him, and he could be available for the visit of Steve Bruce’s Sunderland a week tomorrow.

“I went to see a hand therapist and got a fibre cast done which I can potentially play in,” said the 24-year-old, who was missing a Premier League game for the first time this season at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea today.

“I’ve had a plate inserted and some screws and, touch wood, everything’s gone well. I’d made the right-back spot my own for 12 games and was delighted with the way I was playing.

“To come out through being injured is disappointing, but it gives someone else a chance for however many games I’m going to be unavailable for.

“And then I’ll be fighting for my place back. So we’ll see what happens.”

Wolves’ head of medical Steve Kemp said: “Richard has already been doing some running and has been pain-free, which is good.

“And yesterday he went to have the new cast fitted.

“If he feels comfortable with that it should allow him to train next week.”

Stearman revealed his broken wrist is not the only bone he has broken this season.

“I’ve been playing with a broken toe for the last couple of months so I think my pain threshold is pretty good,” he said.

“But that was a pain like I’ve never felt before – I heard it snap as I went down and it was a tough one.

“I was on morphine and gas to ease the pain.

“Luckily I got sorted in hospital that night when they put the bone back in place and put it in a cast.”

Stearman insisted he bears no malice towards Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, whose aerial challenge caused the awkward landing.

“The challenge was a little bit late but these things happen,” he said.

“Tim Cahill came in after the game and was asking after me and I appreciate that.”