Steve Bull, Wolves' record goalscorer, is in danger of missing a comeback in this month's local derby showdown against his former club West Bromwich Albion.
Bull has been out of action since November when he had surgery to remove a bony spike from his knee.
He had hoped to be back in action to face Albion on January 31st at Molineux, but Wolves' boss Mark McGhee said: "The following week against Sunderland is a more realistic target."
Former England marksman Bull hopes to get the go ahead to begin light training shortly and McGhee added: "Steve is seeing the doctor. We're hoping that he will be given the allclear to step up his work, but even if that happens it will be the best part of a month before he is ready to play."
Bull is keen to return as soon as possible to boost Wolves' Premiership promotion push.
He also needs just one more goal to reach 300 for Wolves as he has been marooned on 299 since scoring twice against Reading in the League Cup in October.
