Sheffield Wednesday could be without their 23-year-old ‘colossus’ for this weekend’s trip to QPR.
Sheffield Wednesday were forced to take on Middlesbrough without a number of key players last time out.
Ian Poveda proved to be a huge loss after he was forced off during the Owls’ defeat to Ipswich Town before the international break.
Josh Windass and Callum Paterson also remained long-term absentees, while Di’Shon Bernard was replaced at the last minute in their starting line-up against Swansea City.
The ‘colossus’ was spotted travelling to the Riverside Stadium earlier this week and fans were hopeful he would be available, however he wasn’t named in the match-day squad.
Danny Rohl explained his absence following the game, saying: “He wasn’t close.
“With his treatments, especially when you have a game every three days and all the physios are here with us, he had to travel with us to get them. He’ll hopefully be available soon, but even when he’s available again he needs rhythm – everybody needs rhythm. Hopefully he’ll come back, but at the moment it’s difficult to say.
“It’s Monday, we have five days to go, and it could be enough. It’s hard to take, but it’s been setbacks, setbacks, setbacks since I arrived. We need to go again.”
A ‘question mark’ over key Sheffield Wednesday star
Sheffield Wednesday’s trip to QPR this week is another huge six-pointer that could see them climb out of the relegation zone, and Rohl will be eager to put out a full-strength team.
However, the German has now admitted there is still a ‘question mark’ over Bernard, missing he could be absent for the third match in a row.
There is good news though, with Rohl also revealing that Paterson and Windass would be available for the visit to Loftus Road.
Paterson hasn’t featured for the Owls since the defeat to Coventry City on Boxing Day, while Windass has only managed 16 starts in the Championship this term due to a number of injuries.
Who should start in defence this weekend?
Danny Rohl opted to start Bambo Diaby alongside Michael Ihiekwe and Akin Famewo against Middlesbrough, with the Spaniard also taking Bernard’s place against Swansea too.
While he bagged a clean sheet against the Welsh outfit, Diaby is arguably not the defensive figure Sheffield Wednesday need in these final six games.
Liam Palmer has proved an important player under Rohl and started in wins over Millwall and Rotherham, while he was an unused substitute in the 6-0 defeat to Ipswich and Monday’s trip to Middlesbrough.
The 32-year-old may not be the quickest or the most talented, but he has the experience, leadership and commitment to really help guide the team to some vital wins.
He should be brought back into the team this weekend and hopefully we can see a difference in their performance.