Michael Mancienne ruled out of Wolves' plans - for now

Michael Mancienne has been ruled out of Wolves' plans for at least another month.

The on-loan Chelsea utility man has remained with the champions for rehabilitation as he continues to suffer pain from his patella tendons in his knees.

Mancienne has not played since the 3-0 defeat at Blackburn on December 4.

The 22-year-old is at Wolves for the season but, under the terms of his loan, could have been recalled by Chelsea this month.

But the deadline for that to happen has now passed and the England Under-21 international will remain with Wolves for the rest of the campaign, returning to the Midlands when he has completed his treatment.

"Our physio is in contact with their physio but this was always going to be the case because he's out for at least another month," said Wolves boss Mick McCarthy.

"That's where we're at with him. He hasn't been recalled, he's still having his rehab.

"There was a deadline for them to recall him and that's passed."