The Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk has explained why Liam Palmer and Keiren Westwood were not involved at Derby County on Wednesday.
Palmer and Westwood had spent the previous three games sidelined through suspension and injury, respectively.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with the Rams, Monk said of Palmer: “He just had a little niggle at the end of last week. But he was back out on the pitches today (Wednesday) so we’re very hopeful he’s fit for the weekend.”
The Owls have Palmer’s understudy Moses Odubajo suspended for Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest and Monk added: “Of course (we might need him at the City Ground). (It’s) vitally important that Liam’s back, he’s done very well for us. We’re very confident that he should be back for the weekend.”
When asked about Westwood’s omission, Monk replied: “Keiren’s not back out on the full training. (He) should be training Thursday onwards.”
Odubajo conceded the penalty from which Derby scored their equalising goal, before being sent off in second-half stoppage time for a second bookable offence.
Discussing the first incident, Monk said: “I haven’t watched it back but my thought at the time was that Mo was in front of him (the Derby striker Jack Marriott). I think, technically, it’s not a foul. But I think you give the referee a decision.
“The problem was that the ball was played there. Look, he gives the referee a decision – the referee made that decision. We have to live with that.”
Steven Fletcher had given Sheffield Wednesday a first-half lead at Pride Park, thanks to his 11th goal in 20 Championship outings this season.
But Chris Martin’s strike ensured that the Owls’ 13-year wait for a win at Derby continued.