WOLVES will be boosted by the return of four key players from injury ahead of the clash with Catalans Dragons tomorrow, Friday, kick off 8pm.

Second rowers Jack Hughes and Ben Westwood both return to The Wire’s 19-man squad, as does full-back Matty Russell.

Winger Kevin Penny was included in the initial party for last week’s 19-12 defeat to Hull FC despite his injury, but head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith confirmed all four are set to feature.

Former Wigan man Hughes has been missing since breaking a bone in his hand during the 40-10 win over his old side on April 28, while fellow second rower Westwood has missed the last two games with a calf injury.

Russell and Penny have both recovered from hamstring injuries and they look set to start on the wings as Tom Lineham and Gene Ormsby were both left out of the squad, with Stefan Ratchford set to continue in the full-back role.

Wolves welcome the French side to The Halliwell Jones Stadium having slipped to fourth in the Super League table and knowing defeat could see them fall further behind Hull FC and Wigan as well as their opponents.

However, Smith is hopeful the returning foursome will give his side some impetus.

“Getting those fresh legs back is important for us, it’s been a tough couple of weeks for us in preparation and training,” he said.

“We’ve had a bit of a mixed bag and that’s what not being able to train well can bring, inconsistency in performance.”

The easing injury list will come as a relief for The Wire, for whom several players have been carrying knocks for a few weeks that have hindered their preparation.

Smith thinks the lack of preparation contributed to last week’s defeat in which Wolves made 21 errors but says the situation is continuing to improve.

“We’ve been able to get out on the training field this week and hopefully our skill levels will increase on Friday,” he added.

“It’s not uncommon for rugby league players to carry knocks into games but there’s certain degrees and we’re improving each week in terms of recovery and what players are able to do.

“Touch wood, we’re not picking up further injuries or aggravating existing ones so we’re very grateful for that.”

Wolves 19-man squad: Ryan Atkins, Ryan Bailey, Daryl Clark, Jordan Cox, Ben Currie, Brad Dwyer, Rhys Evans, Kurt Gidley, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Benjamin Jullien, George King, Kevin Penny, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Chris Sandow, Ashton Sims, Joe Westerman, Ben Westwood.