Wayne Hennessey clear to plan comeback

Wolves Player of the Year Wayne Hennessey this afternoon gave the club a huge boost with the news he should be playing again in six weeks' time.

The Wales international received the all-clear to step up his training after a meeting with his surgeon about his ruptured cruciate ligament yesterday.

And the positive news means the 25-year-old could even be in action by the next international break, when Wales are in World Cup qualifying action again, or certainly after it.

Hennessey, who was injured in the 0-0 draw at Sunderland on April 14, is hoping to be available either when Wales host Scotland on Friday, October 12 and visit Croatia four days later, or for when Wolves travel to Huddersfield on October 20.

Manager Stale Solbakken told the Express & Star today: "I think if everything goes to plan, he should be able to play a game after the next international break.

"It's going to plan and what he's doing now is ahead of schedule. So when he trains for three or four more weeks, he can step up and play a game in five or six weeks from now.

"Wayne will need a bit of time until he's match-fit because he can't go in and play from day one.

"He can play reserve games and prepare himself for the first team – and maybe by playing for the national team with Wales!"

Carl Ikeme has excelled in Hennessey's absence, occupying the No.1 jersey in all four Championship games this season, and, with Dorus De Vries still at the club, Solbakken is relishing the battle for places.

"That's how it should be," said the boss.

"For now, it's all about taking the last step and then he can be ready.

"I don't think he will go straight into the team – that would surprise me – but he can play at his maximum.

"It means that we will have three goalkeepers all competing with each other."

Hennessey has been running for many weeks, catching crosses and making saves for the last few weeks.

But the latest bulletin means he can gradually step up to be involved in full training again.