Sheffield Wednesday: Fernando Forestieri seeks second opinion on his knee injury

Wednesday are facing an anxious wait to discover the full extent of Fernando Forestieri's knee injury.
Fernando ForestieriFernando Forestieri
Fernando Forestieri

The Star understands Forestieri recently travelled abroad to get a second opinion on his condition, having been examined by Wednesday’s medical staff.

The 11-goal forward sustained the knock in their Hillsborough draw with Burton Albion and was not involved in Saturday’s loss against Aston Villa.

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Rumours were rife on social media in the build-up to the Villa fixture that Wednesday’s top-scorer could miss the remainder of the season with his injury but head coach Carlos Carvalhal quickly played down those suggestions, claiming the talk was purely “speculation”.

It remains unclear whether the e27-year-old will be available for selection when the Owls entertain fifth-placed Reading tomorrow night. Regardless of whether Forestieri is passed fit to return, Wednesday midfielder David Jones is confident they can pick up a positive result without their star man.

Jones told The Star: “Fernando is a quality player but we can definitely cope. We have got a strong squad and the firepower up front to replace him.

“Different players have demonstrated throughout the season that they can come in and produce. It might be a different way of playing or a different way of using players but it doesn’t necessarily mean it is worse.

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“We definitely have the firepower and quality up front to be able to put in a good performance and get the right result.”

Carvalhal is expected to give an update on Forestieri’s injury at his pre-match press conference this lunchtime.

“Fernando is someone who can put the ball in the back of the net and can create something out of nothing,” said Jones. “You always want someone like Fernando in your team.

“For me as a midfielder, he’s a good option to have because of the space he finds and the angles he presents to me to pass to.

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“You are always going to miss someone of his quality but we have other players who can come in.”

Meanwhile, defender Connor O’Grady has been called up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for their UEFA Championship qualifying round Group 5 fixture with Kosovo a week on Saturday.