PETER Gilbert is winning his fight for fitness and looks set to ease the Wednesday defence crisis.
The left back expects to return to full training today or tomorrow and be ready for the derby on Sunday.
He picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win against Forest a fortnight ago and missed the last game, at Plymouth.
Tommy Spurr suffered ankle damage at Home Park and the Owls were left without a fit senior left back.
The squad were resuming training today after a weekend break.
Gilbert told The Star: "Hopefully I'll get a full week's training in before the game on Sunday and be available for selection.
"I've been stepping it up and already doing fitness work with the physios. The next step is joining in with the rest of the lads
"It's all going according to plan. Fingers crossed, I should be ok."
Captain Richard Wood has already spoken with optimism about his chances of playing in the derby: he went off in the Forest game with a groin problem and did not play at Plymouth.
Gilbert felt his hamstring in the Forest match but was able to complete the game.
He echoed Spurr's sentiments about the international break having come at a good time for those players who are trying to recover from injuries, as there was no League action last weekend.
"The break has given a few of a lads the opportunity to get back fit.
"Sometimes club don't want a lay-off like this - but this time quite a few of our boys are getting closer. The more players we have fit, the better the competition is for places, and that is good for everybody."
Akpo Sodje is still working on his recovery after being out since the first match of the season, and Frankie Simek has made a comeback in the reserves.
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