WOLVES could have half a dozen players back in contention by the time they tackle Hull Kingston Rovers in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Only 17 full-time players are available to Tony Smith going into the Super League ‘derby’ with Wigan Warriors at The Halliwell Jones Stadium tonight, Thursday, when 19-year-old England Academy back rower Sam Wilde will be handed his debut.

Skipper Joel Monaghan (calf tear), his centre Chris Bridge (hernia operation), back rower James Laithwaite (broken ankle) and leading try scorer Ben Currie (two-match suspension) have all been added to the absence chart since this time last week.

Winger or full back Matty Russell, sidelined since Widnes away on April 2, makes his return from an ankle injury against his hometown club tonight, and head of coaching and rugby Smith hopes he is the first of a few as The Wire look to secure a top-eight spot over the last four games before the split to Super 8s.

Smith, who confirmed some players are currently being fielded with injuries, said: “On the horizon we’ve got Toby King (ankle) who should hopefully be right for the Wakefield game (July 12), along with possibly Gary Wheeler (calf tear/knee ligaments). And not far behind that hopefully Rhys Evans (shoulder operation).

“By that stage I’m hoping that Joel Monaghan (calf tear) might be close as well. And of course our suspended boys (Currie/Anthony England) have two matches to go so it will be good when we get past that period.”

Wolves are seventh on the ladder and two wins from the clashes with Wigan, Wakefield away, St Helens home (July 16) and Castleford away (July 26) could prove enough to avoid concerns of a relegation battle in the Middle 8s, after facing Hull KR in the cup semi final at Headingley on Saturday, August 1, kick off 12.45pm.

Smith said: “Hopefully we’ll have a few bodies back on board but also some form on board as well.

“We’d like to go into that game against Hull KR playing well. We’ve got a few weeks to get that right, but we’re focusing well and truly on what’s in front of us now rather than down the track.”

Smith said no time frame has been placed on long-term absentees Simon Grix (broken ankle/shouler operation) and Ben Evans (ruptured hamstring), but says it will be at least a month for Bridge’s recovery from his hernia operation today, while Laithwaite’s recovery period is estimated to be four to five months after an operation today or tomorrow to repair his spiral fibula fracture.

Wolves are not able to explore bringing in any loan players due to having spent up on this year’s salary cap.

Squad v Wigan: Roy Asotasi, Ryan Atkins, Daryl Clark, Brad Dwyer, Ben Harrison, Chris Hill, George King, Harvey Livettt, Richie Myler, Gareth O’Brien, Gene Ormsby, Declan Patton, Kevin Penny, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matthew Russell, Ashton Sims, Ben Westwood, Sam Wilde.