Major boost as Sheffield Wednesday defender comes through big fitness test
Sheffield Wednesday’s in-form defence have been given a further boost after the return of one of its ranks from a long-term injury.
Young defender Osaze Urhoghide was announced as a starter for Lee Bullen’s under-23 side this afternoon in their South Yorkshire derby with Barnsley at Stocksbridge Park Steels.
Urhoghide played well in the first half and was replaced by Luke Hall at half-time. The Owls lost 1-0.
It is the first time he has kicked a ball in a match since he was sent off in Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Reading on February 15. A second bookable offence saw him carried off the field with a knee injury.
It represents the first step back to a fully-fit squad for Owls boss Garry Monk, who is also missing new signing Chey Dunkley through a broken leg he also suffered in February while still a Wigan Athletic player.
It had been suggested that both players would be tested in under-23 football before they were put forward for first team contention, though Dunkley may well slip straight in when available.
Asked last week about their progress, Monk said: “We'll see. Chey is kind of a daily one where it depends how he reacts each day to the training when we step it up and step it up.
“Osaze will need some under-23 games first. I think both will need some minutes in the under-23s before the ultra-competitive side of it with league and cup games.
“It'll be great to have them back in the squad.”
Wednesday remain unbeaten and have not yet conceded a goal in four competitive outings this campaign.