Important Tom Lees update as defensive Sheffield Wednesday duo make good progress
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Lees had to be stretchered off in the 3-1 defeat to Middlesbrough over the weekend after landing awkwardly on his ankle towards the end of the first half.
It was always thought that the severity of Lees’ injury would be enough to rule him out for the last two games of the campaign – matches that Wednesday need to win in order to stay up – but now it’s been confirmed that he’s unlikely to feature in either.
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Wednesday face Nottingham Forest on Saturday before what could be a survival-deciding clash with Derby County on May 8th, and Lees’ ligament damage has pretty much ruled him out for both.
Given his contractual situation – the fact that he will not have one beyond the end of June – it is entirely possible that he has now played his last game for the club should no extension be agreed.
Stand-in manager, Jamie Smith says that they’re not exactly sure yet how long he’ll be out for, with Barry Bannan explaining on Thursday that he needs to see a specialist.
Smith, who says he’s ‘gutted’ for Lees, told the media today, “Fortunately there wasn’t a fracture or break - it’s ligament damage… I don’t know exact dates yet, but I don’t think he’ll available for the next two games. Long-term, we’re not sure.
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“It’s a difficult time for Leesy, but I’m sure he’ll be fine. I wouldn’t say it’s him done here, but I don’t know. We’re just concentrating on the two games that we’ve got left to play.”
Two potential options to replace Lees are Chey Dunkley and Joost van Aken, who have both recently returned to training, and Smith says that one of them may well be asked to stepped in.
“They’ve both trained this week, so we’ll see how they are today when they report. Potentially they could be involved at the weekend.”
Wednesday host Forest in their final home game of the season tomorrow, with the game kicking off at 12.30pm.