Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl held his pre-Sheffield United press conference on Friday, ahead of the Steel City derby on Sunday.
Sheffield Wednesday play Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday, in what is the first Steel City derby since 2019.
Going into the weekend, United sit in 2nd place of the Championship table and are currently 10 points ahead of the Owls in 15th.
The city is buzzing for the game, and so is Danny Rohl and his first-team squad at Sheffield Wednesday.
Here are Rohl’s key quotes ahead of the game against Sheffield United…
Sheffield Wednesday team news vs Sheffield United
Sheffield Wednesday will be without Akin Famewo, Nathaniel Chalobah, Michael Ihiekwe, and Olaf Kobacki for the game against United.
Speaking about the latest on team news, Rohl said on Friday: “Everybody looks well… Nath [Chalobah] is back on the grass. He trained the last two days with the team.
“Of course, he needs a little bit more minutes, more practices. But it’s a huge step forward.
“Michael Ihiekwe is also back on grass. No new injuries.”
Danny Rohl’s chat with Akin Famewo
Famewo has picked up a muscle injury at Sheffield Wednesday, following what had been an impressive season so far for the defender.
Speaking on Famewo, Rohl said: “I met him two days ago in my office. We spoke about his feelings. I give him hope.
“I feel for him; even though I didn’t play so high, I had a lot of injuries and I know what it means, and especially he was really in a good shape. He performed well.
“He was very positive. He said ‘I will come stronger back’. He will fight. He will do everything. We know this injury takes time and you can never say how quick it goes.”
On Sheffield Wednesday being the underdogs in the Steel City derby
Given the Championship table, many are backing Sheffield United to be the favourites on Sunday.
Asked whether he likes the underdog status, Rohl said: “We have also our goals this season. We showed that we can beat big teams in this league. We showed also that we can lose some teams. Both is possible.
“But we are ready for such a game. I think they [Sheffield United] will also take us very serious because they know as well, that we have weapons, that we are good organised, and it could be very difficult for them as well.
“When you look back to Tuesday, maybe against Norwich, we are also little bit underdog. It’s not always a bad thing.”
Danny Rohl on possible Kieffer Moore injury
Sheffield United could be without Kieffer Moore this weekend, with the big striker seemingly facing a late fitness check.
Asked how he’s preparing to face a United side with or without Moore, Rohl said: “You never know what happens. I think we have to prepare both. I think he is a ball-player in front. He can keep the ball well, but I think the back-up is not so bad.
“I think in this case you have to prepare both. You look what it means, but all in all what I saw so far, they have the structure how the play, with the ball, against the ball.
“I’m not sure if he will really change so much.”
Danny Rohl drops Sheffield Wednesday team selection hint
Rohl also explained how there’s still two or three starting spots up for grabs with the Owls boss looking to strike the balance between experience and quality.
He said: “Two or three positions are still open at the moment. You need the balance from the experienced ones, but you need also the balance what you need on the pitch.
“I think, it doesn’t matter who, I’m very convinced that the players that will be on the pitch, they will be on fire.”
Danny Rohl on his drink with Chris Wilder
Rohl also revealed that he’s bumped into Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder before, in a restaurant in Sheffield.
The Owls boss said: “I meet him one times or two times in my [local] restaurant, Nonna’s, sometimes he’s also there.
“I think it was after game, he invite me for a drink. It was nice.”