How Sheffield Wednesday plan to use extended international break - one match already postponed
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The Owls are making plans for an extended international break, with one upcoming fixture now postponed.
Although there are no official international breaks in League One, matches can be postponed if clubs have three or more players called-up for their countries. That could be the case for Sheffield Wednesday with Sean Fusire (Zimbabwe) already getting the nod, while Kieran Morrison (Northern Ireland), Ali Al-Hamadi (Iraq) and Yan Valery (Tunisia) are two other likely call-ups. Other potentials include Jamal Lowe (Jamaica), Harry Gray (England youths), Gabriel Otegbayo (Republic of Ireland under-21s) and Will Grainger (Wales youths).
Should Wednesday receive confirmation of three or more call-ups, this Saturday’s home match against Stockport County would be their last league game for three weeks. The club has now confirmed that Stevenage away on September 26 has been postponed because of call-ups in the home side’s ranks. Wednesday will find out about their own call-ups later this week and then a decision will be made on Cambridge United at home (October 3). If that is also chalked off, the trip to Huddersfield Town on October 10 would be their next league outing.
An extended break could be useful because of Wednesday’s injury situation, with players like Max Lowe, Sil Swinkels and Jordi Liongola currently in the treatment room. However, with The Owls currently top of League One, continuing to play might be beneficial to maintain their form and avoid a fixture backlog.
Henrik Pedersen said: “If there is a break, then we will use the break for a little rest, and then we will use the break for a very tough week where we have to improve in the physical level, in all areas, and then we'll have a third week for preparation for the Huddersfield game. So it will be a combination of rest, then a tough week where we have to make the next level, and then a preparation week, and then they'll of course be a lot of individual conversation.”
The Owls’ EFL Trophy matches away at Salford City (September 22) and at home to Sunderland (October 6) could also be put back if they wish. EFL guidance reads: “For EFL Trophy fixtures, designated midweeks are identified during international breaks to accommodate all group stage matches. However, flexibility is also provided for clubs that would prefer to play outside of these windows. The EFL and participating clubs work collaboratively to agree suitable fixture dates, ensuring that all group stage matches are completed ahead of the round of 32, which is scheduled to start in the week beginning 7 December.”
Confirming the postponement of Stevenage, the club said on Monday: “The Owls’ away fixture at Stevenage, scheduled for Saturday, 26 September, has been postponed due to the hosts receiving the required number of international call-ups. A new date for the Sky Bet League One clash at the SPORTA Arena will be confirmed in due course.
“Regarding the Owls’ home clash with Cambridge, full details on call-ups in the Wednesday squad will be confirmed this week. Wednesday are due to host the U’s on Saturday 3 October. Should the criteria be met and a further postponement occur, supporters will be informed at the earliest possible opportunity.”