Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has provided an injury update on striker Josh Windass.
Sheffield Wednesday have been fairly fortunate on the injury front this season.
They’ve had no injuries which have completely derailed the train of thought, though Rohl has still had a few sidelined players to contend with.
Names like Dominic Iorfa, Momo Diaby, and Windass have all spent time on the sidelines in recent weeks.
And whilst Iorfa has since made his return, with Momo Diaby carrying a niggling injury issue, Windass looks for a while longer on the sidelines.
Rohl though is hoping that the 30-year-old can return for the final run-in.
Josh Windass making ‘huge’ steps, but not quite ready yet
Speaking to The Star ahead of Saturday’s Championship clash vs Rotherham United, Rohl revealed that Windass is making good progress on an injury that has kept him out since January.
But the German says that Windass isn’t quite ready for a return, hinting at a return before the end of the season instead.
Rohl said:
“It’s difficult to say. The steps forward are huge now and this has given us a good signal. Let’s take a look maybe on Sunday, we could have him training with the guys who did not play or maybe didn’t play so much. Maybe he will be involved.
“We are taking it step-by-step. What is important is that he is ready for the last weeks and games there, instead of rushing him for one game and risking another injury. We must pay attention there. It has been helpful to have two normal weeks (without midweek matches).”
Windass could be the late hero for Sheffield Wednesday once again
There’s no doubting Windass’ importance in the side.
Although he’s been no stranger to criticism over the years, his goals and assists speak for themself (37 total goals for the Owls and 17 assists), and having him back in the team for the final run-in will be a huge boost for the club.
And, just like he did last season against Barnsley in the Wembley play-off final, Windass could have the final say in Sheffield Wednesday’s season.
With three points currently the gap to safety, but teams in and around Sheffield Wednesday also finding form, it looks set to go right down to the wire.
Rohl has a new goal hero in Ike Ugbo but having Windass available to give Ugbo competition and to potentially come off the bench late in games will be a real positive.
He’s a proven Championship striker and he can also play as a no.10 too, so Windass not only brings quality to the team, but options as well.
And for Windass, with his contract out in the summer, he’ll be eager to return and remind everyone what he can do at Championship level.
Kick off against Rotherham United on Saturday is at 3pm.