Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has insisted that the lack of changes to his struggling side has been a necessity rather than a choice.

Nine players had been ever-present in the Premier League until suspension ruled Jamie O'Hara and Stephen Hunt out of Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.

McCarthy will be forced into another change against Sunderland this weekend as midfielder Karl Henry faces a one-match ban.

"The lack of changes might be due to the fact I had a complete back four that was injured – Kevin Foley, Ronald Zubar, George Elokobi and Jody Craddock – all at once," said McCarthy.

"I had a back four that was written in stone and had to play. Dave Edwards, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher were also injured. It has been a necessity to keep the same team."

Wolves could move above Sunderland with victory on Sunday afternoon.