Sheffield Wednesday will be without Di’Shon Bernard and Ian Poveda for their key clash against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.
Despite being 23rd in the Sky Bet Championship table, Wednesday are just one point off safety with three games remaining having won six of their last 11 games – losing just three of them.
The first of the Owls’ last three matches come on Sunday when they face fellow strugglers Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, although the news that they will be without two of their key players will come as a big blow.
Danny Rohl hopes to have the duo back before the end of the season
Poveda, on loan from Leeds United, has missed Sheffield Wednesday’s last two matches due to a muscle injury, whilst Bernard hasn’t played for the club since the end of March.
Fans were worried that they wouldn’t see the duo again for the rest of the season, however speaking in his pre-match press conference, manager Danny Rohl revealed that he hopes to have both back playing before the end of the season.
He said: “Nearly the same squad. Nobody comes back at the moment.
“Hopefully he’s [Bernard] back before the end of the season. This is of course Di’Shon and Ian [Poveda]. We will see. Di’Shon, my hope is big. Day-to-day, we try to bring him on the grass, and Ian as well. Could be helpful to have both available.”
Sheffield Wednesday look to save their season
Having looked down and out when Rohl took over in October 2023, Wednesday have clawed their way back into contention for survival this season.
They looked set to climb out of the relegation zone last weekend when they found themselves 1-0 up against Stoke City with just 20 minutes left in the match, before Luke Cundle’s late equaliser spoiled the mood at Hillsborough as the points were shared.
Wednesday’s three-game stretch to end the season starts with the trip to Blackburn on Sunday before they host play-off hopefuls West Bromwich Albion the following Saturday. The Owls will end their season with a trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on the final day, and have given themselves a real chance of securing Championship football for next season.
Blackburn to spoil the party?
Whilst Wednesday look to boost their survival hopes, there will be plenty on the line for Blackburn on Sunday also.
John Eustace’s side are currently five points clear of relegation with three games remaining, and have the chance to secure their survival with a win in front of their home fans.
They will be full of confidence heading into the game having earned one of the results of the season last weekend with a 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.