Fernando Forestieri in line to make long-awaited Sheffield Wednesday return

Forestieri, out of contract at the end of the season, has not featured since the end of November due to a knee injury.

But the 30-year-old has been back in training for the last fortnight and is available for selection again, having come through the first half ofthe Owls’ Under-23s clash with Hull City last week unscathed.

"He has played one Under-23s game and he was due to play another one a couple of days ago but it was on astro turf and I didn't really want to put him on that,” said Wednesday boss Garry Monk.

"He is up for selection. He has been training for a couple of weeks now. I wouldn't say he is at his full fitness but that's where the games would have helped.

"He has done some hard work and is back up for selection.”

Injury and suspension issues have blighted Forestieri's season, restricting him to just 10 appearances. His only goal came in the entertaining home draw with Swansea City back in November.

The Owls will be seeking to avoid a fourth straight home defeat when they welcome the ninth-placed Lions to Hillsborough.

Monk, who was left fuming after their dismal showing at Wigan Athletic in midweek, said: "Saturday is important.

"I expect to see a response and a reaction.

"I expect that team to understand what is needed and what is expected and to deliver that on the pitch.”