Sheffield Wednesday: Carvalhal confident in face of injury worries

Carlos Carvalhal insists Sheffield Wednesday have no problems heading in Sunday’s televised clash with Derby County – despite fitness doubts over a number of key players.
Tom Lees suffered a hamstring injury during the cup defeat to Stoke CityTom Lees suffered a hamstring injury during the cup defeat to Stoke City
Tom Lees suffered a hamstring injury during the cup defeat to Stoke City

Tom Lees left on crutches after Tuesday’s cup defeat at Stoke City while Jack Hunt suffered a calf issue which forced his withdrawal.

Carvalhal kept typically tight-lipped over the fitness of his players when speaking to the media yesterday, steadfastly refusing to discuss individual players.

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And the Portuguese head coach is confident the Owls will cope with whatever team he names.

“All the players are important,” he said. “We have won games without Fernando Forestieri, without Barry Bannan, without Sam Hutchinson.

“We have won games without a lot of important players on the team and we are still winning games.

“The players that can’t play, I am sorry for them because they want to play.

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“But I have confidence in the squad and we will be ready. We are confident for Sunday, even against a strong team, one of the best in the Championship.”

The Star understands Lees will miss Sunday’s game at Hillsborough due to a hamstring problem while Hunt is also a major doubt.

Daniel Pudil looks set to partner Glenn Loovens in defence after playing much of the trip to Stoke as a make-shift centre half. Loovens was subbed off at Stoke as a precautionary measure.

Forestieri and Keiren Westwood are set to return to the side while Bannan will be assessed at the 11th hour.