Sheffield Wednesday: Owls vow to ease injured Kieran Lee back into the first-team fold

Kieran Lee has not played since December 9 due to injury

The midfielder, who featured prominently in the Wednesday side who reached back-to-back play-offs under former boss Carlos Carvalhal, is currently recovering from hip surgery.

Lee, 29, started just 10 times and made five substitute appearances in the 2017/18 campaign, with his last Owls outing coming at Norwich City on December 9.

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“He’s the longest injured player,” said boss Luhukay. “We must have patience, of course. Kieran is a player who does everything to come back but he has been out a long time.

“When we start with him, maybe he can’t start 100 per cent. It’s normal. He has been out of training and games for months so we must try to progress him week to week.”

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Luhukay expects Lee, Gary Hooper and Steven Fletcher to be ready in time for the start of pre-season on June 25. The trio have yet to play under the Dutch manager.

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