Wolves were hit by another injury blow today with captain Jody Craddock the latest casualty of their push towards the summit.

Craddock left the midweek win over Colchester in the closing minutes with a groin injury which manager Mick McCarthy today confirmed made the 32-year-old defender a major doubt for tomorrow’s Molineux clash with Preston.

Craddock has turned his Wolves future on its head since he was called back from his loan to Stoke City in September following the home defeat by Hull City.

Wolves have lost only once in the 12 games which have followed, with Craddock reeling off a string of stirring performances that have peaked with the team’s run of four successive clean sheets.

Better news for McCarthy is that midfielder Seyi Olofinjana was back in training today and likely to be available again after missing the Colchester clash with a hamstring problem.

McCarthy acknowledged Craddock’s contribution as he admitted the blow the defender’s absence will represent at a time when his other most battle-hardened figure, Gary Breen, is also out.

“Since Jody came back he has been the one real consistent performer,” said McCarthy. “He has played well with Breeny and now he has played well with Darren Ward.

“It’s amazing that we took a look at things before the loan deadline and decided to let some players go out – and we have suddenly picked up injuries to big players.

“None of the lads we sent on loan would have affected the first-team picture, though.”

If Craddock is ruled out as expected, McCarthy can be expected to switch Neil Collins alongside Ward in the centre of defence and bring in Michael Gray at left back.

His other key decision is the make-up of his front line as Wolves eye a chance to collect their 10th point from the last 12 against a vulnerable Preston outfit.