Sheffield Wednesday fans have reason to celebrate this week despite the international break, as summer signing Nathaniel Chalobah has finally pulled on an Owls shirt, although it is with the Under-21 side.
Signed on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion in the summer, it was hoped that the Sheffield Wednesday midfield could lean on the experience of Nathaniel Chalobah this season.
However, the former Chelsea man has been struggling for fitness all year, and is yet to feature for Danny Rohl’s side this term.
Rohl spoke last week about Chalobah’s expected return date, suggesting it could be after the international break. And now, it seems the 29-year-old is well on his way to a full recovery.
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Nathaniel Chalobah starts for Sheffield Wednesday Under-21s
Sheffield Wednesday’s Under-21 team lined up against Burnley on Monday afternoon, and clearly, it was a game viewed as a great opportunity to give Chalobah a run out ahead of his official return to action.
The Sheffield Wednesday Twitter/X account shared details of their starting XI for the game at Middlewood Road, highlighting the fact that Chalobah was given the nod.
It will be interesting to see just how long Chalobah gets on the pitch, and that will surely be a great indicator as to how likely he is to feature against Cardiff City at the weekend.
One would imagine the best Chalobah can hope for is a spot on the bench for that game, but simply getting out on the grass for a competitive game today.
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Marvin Johnson recovering from Steel City derby
Curiously, the inclusion of Johnson in the lineup would point towards Marvin Johnson being a part of the action, too.
The experienced wing-back came off prematurely in the Steel City derby before the international break, and appeared to be nursing an injury.
If so, fans will be happy to see the player involved for the Under-21s. As one of the Owls’ most creative players now, Marvin Johnson has been described as ‘undroppable’ by former Wednesday star Lee Bullen.
Rohl will be hoping one of his top performers is fit and ready for the weekend, even if Chalobah isn’t quite there yet.