Garry Monk explains the reasons behind Sam Hutchinson's continued absence at Sheffield Wednesday

The Star understands both Hutchinson and goalkeeper Keiren Westwood have been effectively frozen out at the club and are training with the under-23s.

After Westwood released a social media post attempting to clarify his situation this week, Monk explained his decision was down to the keeper’s chequered injury record and said that selection for his sides will be based on the ‘here and now’ – not on past achievements.

Asked about Hutchinson’s standing in the side – the midfielder hobbled out of his most recent Owls appearance at QPR last month – the Wednesday boss said he was in a similar position.

He said: “I’ve said it before, about my experience in changing rooms and understanding what you need.

“Sam [Hutchinson] is similar to Keiren. The availability that he’s had and that continuity has not been there.”

And asked whether the former Chelsea man’s style of play is something that would benefit his side in their current run of form, he said: “I totally understand that, but I don’t judge people on what they’ve done on the past. I don’t judge people on what’s written down on a piece of paper on their CV.

“I judge on what they’re doing here and now. I see what they’re doing every day, I’m the one that works with them every day. I see what’s required and what’s needed.

“I’ve had conversations with Sam and been clear. It’s a similar situation in terms of injuries and pick-ups and continuity. It’s simply not there.

“I can’t afford that. I need reliability in terms of being available and being ready and understanding that that needs to come continually.

“That’s part of the reason, decisions have been made and that’s about making decisions that are good for the group. I’ve been honest and open about those conversations.

“I need to make the right decisions on what’s happening in the here and now, not what’s happened in the past.”