Zubar out of Blues trip

20 October 2010 15:25
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed Ronald Zubar is out of the game against Chelsea.[LNB] The French defender has missed a large chunk of Wanderers' season so far with a hamstring injury and minor ankle surgery.[LNB]Zubar, who has played just 35 minutes of Premier League action for the Midlanders, is expected to return to training next week following his lengthy absence [LNB]But McCarthy admits the 25-year-old full-back is likely to miss important games against Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as Saturday's visit to the capital to face the champions.[LNB]"He was back in here on Monday for the first time and I think he starts jogging next week," the Wolves boss told The Birmingham Mail.[LNB]"So it will probably be more than two weeks before he's near being fit again."[LNB]McCarthy admits his resources are being stretched ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge with a lengthy injury list coupled with Michael Mancienne's ineligibility to face his parent club.[LNB]"The injuries are taking their toll and they certainly don't help us," said the Irishman, who could bring Jelle Van Damme and Nenad Milijas into the starting XI for the Chelsea game.[LNB]"With Mancienne out I'll have to do something else. We'll have three in midfield - it just depends on who they are."[LNB]Christophe Berra is likely to skipper the team with Jody Craddock (hip) struggling to be fit.[LNB]Berra has responded from last month's red card at Fulham, where he was criticised by the manager, and has enjoyed a return to form.[LNB]McCarthy added: "I thought Christophe played well on Saturday.[LNB]"He's been solid ever since he arrived at the club. And when you look at a team I think centre-half or centre-midfield is the perfect position to have a captain.[LNB]"He was a good candidate for it when Jody went off."[LNB]Berra took the captain's armband against West Ham with McCarthy adding: "We'll have to see if he retains it on Saturday if Jody's not available."

Source: Team_Talk