Influential Sheffield Wednesday star aims to return ‘as early as possible’ from injury

Wednesday expect to be without their star man for up to 10 weeks after he suffered a serious knock in their FA Cup win at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Fletcher, the Owls' 12-goal top-scorer, was carried off on a stretcher in the second half of the tie at the Amex Stadium after landing awkwardly on his knee in a challenge with left-back Gaetan Bong.

Although Monk is relieved Fletcher’s injury is not a season-ender, he accepts it is a blow to their promotion prospects.

But the Wednesday chief has backed Fletcher to overcome this disappointment and beat his best goals tally in a season.

Monk told The Star: “He’s experienced enough, a real professional, and he understands what he needs to do. He will focus on that and give himself the best opportunity of getting back as early as possible.

“He is determined to come back. He was on course for his best ever goals tally in a season, he would have smashed that - if I am honest with you - the way he was going about his work, and he will still have time to beat that when he comes back.”

The Owls, lying in eighth position, have no other new injury or suspension concerns as they prepare to take on Championship pace-setters Leeds United at Elland Road tomorrow.