Wolves’ £7m record signing Steven Fletcher was today challenged to complete 90 minutes in the reserves tonight at Telford’s New Bucks Head to prove he’s fit enough to face Chelsea.

Fletcher hasn’t played since October 1 because of a torn calf sustained in training in the build-up to the Black Country derby on October 16, but is fully recovered now.

Manager Mick McCarthy, however, wants to see the three-goal joint top scorer come through a full game in the second string against Arsenal reserves tonight to allay any concerns he has about the striker’s fitness given the length of time he has been out.

Defender Ronald Zubar is also due to play, with McCarthy earmarking him to replace the injured Richard Stearman at right back at the weekend.

Stearman underwent an operation on his broken wrist yesterday after picking up the injury at Everton.

Asked what Fletcher needed to do to win his place back, McCarthy said: “I want him to be fully fit having not played a game because he hasn’t played 90 minutes for a long time.

“If he does get that, then there’s every opportunity for him to get back into the side.”

McCarthy is happy with his 4-5-1 formation at the moment which means there is only room for one striker and Kevin Doyle is filling the lone role at the moment.

But the Wolves chief is eager to see Fletcher among the goals again and is happy that his big chance will come again soon.

“It is difficult but there are a lot of games coming up with the Christmas period,” said McCarthy.

“Games come a little bit thicker and faster than they do at the moment from Saturday to Saturday.

“There might be a need for change so everyone has got to be fit and raring to go.”

Wolves have lost three, drawn one and won one of the five league games Fletcher has missed.

Talking specifically about whether players had a chance to stake their claim for a first-team place in tonight’s reserve game, McCarthy said: “I’m not going to individualise it and say who can force their way into my team for Saturday, but of course there are opportunities for people.”