Danny Rohl has issued an update on Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan after he was substituted in the win over West Brom.
Barry Bannan made his 40th start of the campaign at the weekend, playing a key part as Sheffield Wednesday claimed a huge 3-0 win over the play-off hopefuls.
The midfielder was awarded an 8 rating by The Star, putting in a ‘captain’s performance’ and helping them ‘set the tone’ for their brilliant victory.
Bannan had played the full 90 minutes of the previous five matches, while a minor injury in the defeat to Ipswich Town meant his minutes were limited against the Tractor Boys and Swansea City.
The 34-year-old was unable to complete the full 90 minutes against the Baggies though, with Danny Rohl opting to replace him with Bambo Diaby after 77 minutes.
Supporters were left concerned about Bannan’s fitness after he was substituted, with the team less than a week away from the biggest match of the season against Sunderland.
Barry Bannan ‘will be available’
Rohl has now provided on update on his captain though, and it sounds like positive news.
Speaking to The Star, the German said: “It was just a cramp.
“It was awkward but I think there is nothing to worry about for the next week, he will be available. We will give him treatments. I will have a decision again, a big squad, we have nearly everybody available again. This is good and it shows a lot. We need everybody.”
Sheffield Wednesday’s trip to Sunderland could have gotten a lot harder
Bannan put on another solid display at Hillsborough. He had 51 touches, made one key pass, won one header, and also made one clearance, one tackle and one interception.
While the veteran isn’t quite as affective in creating and scoring goals as previous seasons, he has been vital under Rohl and his experience and leadership has proven really important in their bid for survival.
Sheffield Wednesday already have very limited options in midfield, but Bannan’s potential absence this weekend could have been a huge loss.
The 34-year-old really dictates the play and makes others around him more confident. Without him leading the way, claiming points over Sunderland could have been a real challenge.
If he is fit like Rohl believes, then it once again gives the Owls a very good chance at staying up this weekend.
Bannan has been so important this term and it would be fitting for him to guide the club to safety – especially if it ends up being his final game for Wednesday.