Who Danny Rohl could bring back into the Sheffield Wednesday team after the latest update on Ian Poveda.
Sheffield Wednesday’s impressive form since the start of February had resulted in a consistent starting line-up for the first time this campaign, but a 6-0 hammering by Ipswich Town may have changed that.
It’s not just because it was their worst defeat in ten years either, but because two of the Owls’ most important players were forced off through injury.
Barry Bannan‘s absence leaves Danny Rohl with only Will Vaulks and an underwhelming Momo Diaby as his only natural central midfielders, but thankfully the German will have more options to take up Ian Poveda‘s spot out wide.
The Colombian has been ‘excellent’ since joining from Leeds United in January, but Rohl has confirmed that he will be out for at least the first game back after the international break against Swansea City.
Sheffield Wednesday will need to kick off their return with a bang if they are to avoid relegation, so they need to get this line-up exactly right.
So who should replace Ian Poveda?
‘Brilliant’ star can take Poveda’s place in Sheffield Wednesday XI
Sheffield Wednesday do have Anthony Musaba on hand to play on the opposite flank to Djeidi Gassama, with the pair taking up those positions against Ipswich Town.
However, the Dutchman has only scored one goal in his last 15 games in the Championship and could be pushed down the pecking order by one player who is set to return from injury.
While nobody wants Poveda on the sidelines, it may have come at the best time possible, with Callum Paterson on his way back.
The 29-year-old has been out of action for the last three months, but had previously proved a very useful asset due to his versatility.
Paterson has played all across the midfield, attack and as a full-back this term, while his experience and leadership could be exactly what the Owls need to help them out in the final run in.
Barry Bannan is usually a great leader at the club, but his absence could pave the way for Paterson to help guide this team to a successful end to the campaign.
Rohl could be tempted to return to the back five that had worked for them so well this season, while Pol Valentin could be urged to push forward and allow Paterson to roam into the middle of the park.
Sheffield Wednesday have already tried Gassama and Musaba together, but it is maybe time to bring in someone who knows exactly what needs to be done at such a pivotal part of the campaign.