Kenny Jackett pulls plug on early Batth
Wolves captain Danny Batth will miss the start of the season through injury, it has been confirmed today.
The 24-year-old is still out with the stress fracture to his left foot that forced him to miss the final two games of last season. Batth will begin full training two days after Wolves open their league campaign against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on August 8.
It is likely he won't be back in first-team action during the opening weeks of the season. Wolves boss Kenny Jackett said of Batth's injury latest: "He's doing well. His return to full training will be the Monday after the Blackburn game.
"We're still going to have to be careful with it but he'll be in full training then."
Batth's absence hands an opportunity for someone else to cement a position at centre-half alongside Richard Stearman.
Ethan Ebanks-Landell covered for Batth during those closing 2014/15 matches against Wigan Athletic and Millwall. But with Scott Golbourne back to full fitness, Kortney Hause becomes an option in his natural position of centre-half.
Dominic Iorfa has also featured in central defence during pre-season, and with Kenny Jackett impressed with right-back Matt Doherty's performances Iorfa could be moved inside.
Jackett said he felt the defensive positions were the strongest in the Wolves squad. He added: "It's an opportunity for others to come in and stake a claim.
"I think centre-half is a very strong position for us – looking right the way through the back four we're looking very strong and competitive. There are seven or eight players that can play in our back four.
"With these players we'll have a strong back four all season. I feel the defenders at the club and the players competing for the back four positions have been very strong and it's a good area for us." Wolves' only other injury concern is midfielder Jed Wallace (knee).
