DISAPPOINTED Giants coach Jon Sharp has already ruled Stuart Donlan out of Sunday's derby trip to Wakefield.

The versatile 26-year-old injured his knee during the build-up to Huddersfield's last match at London.

And a scan has revealed enough damage to sideline the former Halifax player for this weekend's Super League game at least.

It's a second lay-off of the season for Donlan, who had previously suffered a groin problem, and a setback for Sharp, who has a long list of injuries and a suspension for Paul Reilly to contend with.

Donlan was a possible deputy for full-back Reilly at Wakefield, although teenager Thomas Hemingway impressed there in the 35-26 loss at London.

That defeat means it is vital Huddersfield beat Wakefield in order to keep alive their top-six play-off hopes.

While captain Ben Roarty (neck) and fellow Aussie Michael De Vere (hand) are out long term, Sharp has question marks against Stanley Gene (knee), Stuart Jones (ankle), Marcus St Hilaire (thigh), Ryan Clayton (knee), Iain Morrison (knee) and Bolu Fagborun (thigh).

"It's very frustrating news about Stuart," said Sharp, speaking from the Great Britain training camp at Bath.

The assistant to national coach Brian Noble added: "We had hoped the injury, which Stuart suffered in training, wouldn't prove too serious, but the specialist said it would take at least a week to settle down.

"It's too early to say about the other injured players, but we'll be working hard on them in the treatment room."

Giants players Chris Thorman, who is acting captain in place of Roarty, and Eorl Crabtree are both at the GB camp, which runs until tomorrow.

* Former Giants coaches Tony Smith and John Kear will clash in the Powergen Challenge Cup final after wins for Leeds and Hull in the Galpharm Stadium semis.