Danny Röhl has confirmed the Sheffield Wednesday injuries, and his side could be without five or six players this weekend.
The Owls take on Oxford United at Hillsborough in the Championship, with fans planning on protesting against the club’s owner during the game.
Röhl confirms Sheffield Wednesday injuries
In his pre-match press conference, Röhl admitted that they have five or six players who might have to miss out through injury.
He was quick to reassure fans that some players might still feature. Still, until the medical staff do their final assessments, this remains a mystery.
When pushed on who the players were, Röhl confirmed:
“It’s Barry (Bannan), Dom (Iorfa), Olaf (Kobacki), Smudge (Michael Smith), Pato (Callum Paterson) and Yan (Valery). Hopefully I didn’t forget anyone.
“They are small issues, and it doesn’t mean they’re not available – but there are question marks. It’s a long season, but it’s ok – let’s see tomorrow. I’m convinced we have a good team on the grass.”
What does this mean for their starting line-up?
The Owls have struggled with injuries throughout the season. The majority of their issues have come at the back, with several of their central defenders picking up knocks.
While those issues are still ongoing, Sheffield Wednesday’s injury worries seem to have spread further forward.
One player they cannot afford to lose is Barry Bannan. Bannan has been the creative spark for the Owls since joining in 2015 and has rarely been out of the side. In 443 games for Wednesday, Bannan has scored 34 and claimed 72 assists. When he’s not in the squad, his presence is missed.
Bannan didn’t feature in their 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers in midweek. The creative display without the 35-year-old will likely be reassuring to many Owls fans.
Röhl’s comments also suggest he’ll have a choice to make upfront. Michael Smith has been in fine form this season. He’s scored eight goals and has the fourth-highest average Sofascore rating in the squad with 6.94.
Midweek, it was Callum Paterson who led the line for the Owls. He’s come into the squad after not featuring for most of the first half of the season and has made an impact.
If both are out, Röhl might have to turn to Ike Ugbo. He made his loan move permanent over the summer but has failed to make the same impact. Ugbo’s yet to score a goal in the league, but his pressing style does fit well with Röhl’s style of play.
Josh Windass could be pushed further forward and play in a striker role. However, that means the Owls will miss his link-up play in midfield.
Predicted Sheffield Wednesday line-up against Oxford United
The Sheffield Wednesday injuries should make for an interesting line-up. Here’s the team we believe the Owls will go with:
P. Charles (GK); Valentin, Ihiekwe, Famewo, Hatsuse; S. Charles, Ingelsson, Armstrong; Musaba, Windass, Gassama.