Why Sam Winnall will play with one less ‘flamboyant’ accessory against Stoke City

The Owls striker suffered a broken nose as he played for the under-23s at Charlton earlier this month while building up match fitness on his return from a hamstring injury.

He has been sporting a specially made protective face mask since then, but revealed that he will be playing without it for the first time tomorrow against Stoke City.

Winnall told the media: “It’s been strange. Thankfully I don’t have to wear it anymore. That’s a bit of a bonus.

“I was quite worried, because I had just got myself to the stage where I had given myself the chance to be in the squad, and then had a bad nose break. You think ‘oh God, is it going to keep me out?’

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“The physios and doctor here were great, they found a place when I could get a mask built, which allowed me to play.

“I didn’t want to miss any more time, I had been patiently waiting for months. I was itching to get back, I had worked so hard.

“Although it wasn’t ideal, it gave me the chance to play.

“It was a bit flamboyant on the first day, but the novelty soon wore off.

“I was just thankful I was able to play because I didn’t want to spend any more time on the sidelines. Especially for a facial injury which wasn’t affecting my actual body. It was just a protection.”

Winnall was handed his first Owls start since 2017 in the last league match against Blackburn Rovers and is in line for selection for tomorrow’s clash at the Bet365 Stadium.