Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme will remain listed as the club’s number one as he battles acute leukaemia.
The Sky Bet Championship club announced last week the 31-year-old had begun immediate treatment after being diagnosed with the disease during pre-season training.
Wolves this week signed former England goalkeeper John Ruddy following his release by Norwich, but he will not take the long-serving Ikeme’s squad number.
“Wolves can confirm that Carl Ikeme will remain listed as the club’s number one for the 2017-18 season,” a club statement read.
Wolves have also announced a number of initiatives to support Ikeme in what could be a long fight against the condition.
Ten per cent of gate receipts from the season opener against Middlesbrough on August 5 will be donated to Birmingham-based charity Cure Leukaemia, as will profits from the sale of goalkeeper replica shirts printed with ‘Ikeme 1’.
A large banner, flags and messages of support for Ikeme on the electronic boards are among the club’s other initiatives.
Ikeme has been a Wolves player throughout his 14-year professional career. He has been out on numerous loans but featured regularly for Wolves in recent years.
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