Wolverhampton Wanderers' summer signing Stephen Hunt is expected to make his debut for the club on October 16 against West Ham United.
The £3m signing from Hull City has been out of the side with a foot injury and was never expected to play until October.
He has now started running and hopes to join in with full training in the near future and McCarthy has given him a comeback date.
McCarthy said: "We've got five games coming up including the Carling Cup tie (against Notts County) and then we get another break.
"He's probably looking at being fit sooner rather than later, but if we get him back after that two-week break and if he was fit to start that would be fantastic.
"That's what we're probably aiming at. I think he's still on target to be ready in October."
Meanwhile, McCarthy is keeping his fingers crossed that Jelle van Damme is fit for the trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.
Belgian international defender Van Damme is still struggling with the ankle knock he picked up against Stoke and looks to be doubtful for the clash with the Cottagers.
McCarthy told the club's website: "Van Damme is here being looked after by the medical team. I'm hoping he'll be alright for the weekend.
"He's not really training, just getting his treatment ahead of getting back running, so he's okay.
"It's still the ankle he injured against Stoke."