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Wolves' Carl Ikeme sets intensive fitness regime

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Injured goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is eyeing six weeks of fitness focus to make sure he comes back stronger for Wolves.

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The 28-year-old is frustrated to be on the sidelines after a training ground collision with James Henry earlier this month left him with a broken second metatarsal bone in his left foot.

Former Manchester United shot-stopper Tomasz Kuszczak has featured in Wolves' last three games.

Ikeme is applying the same determination on his road to recovery as he did in the unfortunate incident that led to his injury.

"We were doing a normal crossing and finishing session," he said. "I'd made a save and James Henry came in to tap the rebound in and I went into match mode and tried a last-ditch challenge.

"It was frustrating but that was something I would have done in a game and I always want to train as I play and keep the ball out of the net and it was just one of those things that can happen."

The 6ft 3in goalkeeper added: "It could have been worse because if I needed surgery I could have been out for three months.

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"Fortunately it doesn't need that and now I've got six weeks or so to get myself right, concentrate on doing my gym work, focus on any weaker areas and make sure I come back a better keeper.

"Nobody likes being injured, and there are days when it is difficult, but you just have to clearly focus on what is ahead and that is to come back better."

Ikeme may return to fitness with Wolves firmly in the mix for a Premier League promotion push. But he will not rush his recovery in a bid to reclaim his starting XI spot.

"I need to make sure I am right before I come back and don't suffer any setbacks," said Ikeme.

"Tomasz did well against Reading and it looks like he has made a good start. That is no surprise really – I have seen him training for a couple of months and he is an experienced keeper.

"It will be up to me to try and get back in the team when I am fit again – that is the nature of goalkeeping where there is only one position and everyone wants to play!

"But I'm not looking to that stage just yet. At the moment I'm just looking to try to get fit, and then take things from there."