Joost van Aken set for Sheffield Wednesday return as 2020/21 preparations begin
While his long-term future at Sheffield Wednesday is not 100% certain, The Star understands that Joost van Aken will be part of Garry Monk’s squad when they return for preseason this week.
The Dutchman hasn’t played for the Owls since sustaining a nasty injury following a rough challenge from Sunderland’s Luke O'Nien back in August 2018, but had a successful spell on loan with VfL Osnabrück over the past season as he played 22 of their games and helped them retain their place in 2. Bundesliga.
Speaking to NH Nieuws earlier in the year, Van Aken explained his German switch, saying, "The injuries contributed to the fact that I didn't play much. Last summer I re-joined the group after an operation. I was not the first choice in my position."
"I had not played football for a long time and wanted to go to a club where there was a good chance that I would play every week… I wasn't looking forward to having to sit on the bench or in the stands every game."
Now, with Garry Monk assessing his ranks in preparation for the 2020/21 campaign, The Star is led to believe that the 26-year-old centre back is due back with the rest of the side later this week, with the Wednesday boss seemingly keen to take a closer look.
Van Aken could fit nicely in the 3-5-2 system favoured by Monk towards the end of the past season, and the fact that he’s a left-footed centre half also gives him an opportunity to come in to what is currently a threadbare Owls side.
The former Heerenveen man has spoken in the past of how much he enjoyed aspects of his start with SWFC, and would no doubt be eager to get his Owls career back on track if there is a chance of regular game time – something that only Monk will be able to predict.
Meanwhile, Julian Börner is also expected back as things stand after missing the final game of the season to be with his pregnant wife, while Matt Penney will be back following his loan spell with St. Pauli.