Sheffield Wednesday: Owls sweat over attacking duo

Sheffield Wednesday face an anxious wait as to whether winger Aiden McGeady and striker Gary Hooper will be fit for tomorrow's encounter with Ipswich Town.
Aiden McGeadyAiden McGeady
Aiden McGeady

McGeady, who has struggled to make an impact since moving to Hillsborough, is struggling to shake off a minor knock while Hooper is a big doubt due to a foot problem.

Hooper, the 11-goal forward was a notable absentee as Wednesday crashed to a 4-1 defeat at Bristol City last weekend.

Gary HooperGary Hooper
Gary Hooper
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking at his press briefing today, head coach Carlos Carvalhal said: "We have small problems with Aiden McGeady and Gary Hooper but we will wait until the last minute. We have some wishes they will be fit.

"We are strong and almost with a full squad."

Keiren Westwood (illness) and Glenn Loovens (ankle) are pressing hard for first-team returns.

Gary HooperGary Hooper
Gary Hooper

However, Saturday's clash may come too soon for utility ace Sam Hutchinson. The defender/midfielder has not featured since their comfortable home success over Charlton Athletic before the last international break because of glandular fever.

"Sam has started training normally again with the team but he's not with full energy yet," said Carvalhal, who expects Modou Sougou to miss the rest of the campaign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Owls, lying sixth in the standings with five matches remaining, will be confident of getting their play-off push back on track, having lost just twice on home soil all season. Back-to-back Hillsborough fixtures gives them the opportunity to cement a top-six spot.

Carvalhal said: "We are happy to be back at Hillsborough. We play with our fans.

"I'm proud of all the players. We will be with a big crowd and our massive fans will push us. We must push them.

"We are ready for a very tough game. Ipswich are a good side and we respect them a lot. I'm sure we will absolutely fight for the three points."

Meanwhile, Filipe Melo may resume training again next week after recovering from knee surgery.