Sheffield Wednesday: Carvalhal expecting FOUR key men to return for Barnsley clash after international break

The Owls have been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks and though the defeat to Reading on Friday night saw the welcome return of Tom Lees to the line-up, there were still a number of first-team regulars on the sidelines.

However, with the next game - a South Yorkshire derby against Barnsley at Oakwell - in a little under two weeks, Carvalhal is remaining positive that the injury worries will ease.

Ross Wallace missed that 2-0 reverse to Jaap Stam’s side, as did Fernando Forestieri, both suffering from knee injuries.

Sam Hutchinson has been out since coming off early in the 5-1 win over Norwich, while striker Gary Hooper hasn’t played since November.

Hooper came off against Fulham with a hamstring injury and looked close to making a return only to have a further setback on his quad.

All four, though, could be in line for a return according to Carvalhal.

“We are more strong when we can recover the players,” he said. “We have wishes that we can recover in these two weeks Sam, Gary Hooper, I think we can probably recover Fernando and Ross Wallace also. I think we can recover a minimum of four players.”

While some might prefer a game to come around quickly to attempt to stop the slide in form, Carvalhal feels the break has come at the right time.

“It is very good to us is the international break with the problems we have in the team and with the injuries,” he added.

“It will be a very good time to us. We will recover players to be more strong.

“We believe in this international break we will recover some players who are injured and we will be ready for the final eight games to try and achieve a good position.”