Sheffield Wednesday: Tom Lees will be '˜massive' for Owls in run-in

While Sheffield Wednesday fans await the recovery of at least four of their key players by the time the next game comes around, Fox insists that his fellow defender’s comeback from injury is timely and already a huge boost to the team.

Lees had been out injured for six weeks, playing his last game away to Bristol City at the end of January before returning to the side in last week’s defeat to Reading.

Head coach Carlos Carvalhal is hopeful that midfielders Sam Hutchinson and Ross Wallace and forwards Fernando Forestieri and Gary Hooper will all be available for the next game, the South Yorkshire derby against Barnsley on April 1.

However, Fox believes that having the vice-captain back to fitness has already provided a boost to the team.

“It was massive having him back,” said Fox. “He’s a leader and he’s brilliant for us at the back. Sasso did well when he came in but having Leesy back is a big plus.”

Now Fox is banking on the Owls keeping it tight at the back from now until the end of the season, with clean sheets back on the agenda.

Having garnered a reputation for not conceding too many goals, Wednesday haven’t kept a blank since their 3-0 win over Birmingham on February 10.

“If you don’t concede, you don’t lose,” he said. “We need to focus on keeping it tight.

“We’ve been caught out on a couple of set plays and just sloppiness from us.”

The former Charlton Athletic full-back added: “We have to get back on track and use the break to our advantage.

“We will refresh, clear our heads and go again.”