Wolves midfielder David Jones today admitted he is unlikely to be fit to face Albion on Sunday.

Jones is still not over the infection in his cut foot that forced him off in the Sunderland game and caused him to miss the Blackburn and Birmingham matches.

Manager Mick McCarthy is also waiting on Steven Mouyokolo (back), knee victims Michael Mancienne and Matt Jarvis and Kevin Doyle (thigh), while long-term victims Jody Craddock and Karl Henry are definitely out.

But with so many casualties, McCarthy could well keep Albion guessing until the last minute.

Former Manchester United reserve Jones was making good progress before the Blackburn defeat but ended up in hospital for two days after suffering pain.

Now he has hinted that the Boxing Day game against Wigan – when his midfield partner Karl Henry should be fit – looks a more realistic target.

“While I’m not sure about being available for the weekend, it should certainly be soon,” said the midfielder, who has never played in a Black Country derby.

“The infection seems to be clearing up so it’s just a case of whether I can do everything I need to.

“Now the doc is happy the infection is under control we’ll just have to see if I can train at the end of the week. It will just be a case of whether I can still do what I need to without any pain.”

Jones’ injury ended up being more complicated than initially thought.

“The stud pierced my skin and I had to have stitches which always leaves the chance of infection,” he said.

“The injury happened early in the game but I was able to carry on playing for about 60 minutes after.

“The wound got infected and the initial antibiotics wouldn’t clear it up so I had to go on an intravenous drip in hospital.”