Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk provides update on Steven Fletcher's fitness

Garry Monk, the Sheffield Wednesday manager, says talismanic striker Steven Fletcher should be involved in tomorrow’s glamour FA Cup tie with Manchester City.
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The Scottish forward was substituted at half-time during the Owls’ 3-1 defeat to Derby County at Hillsborough on Saturday – his first start since suffering a knee injury in the third round win at Brighton and Hove Albion in early January.

But speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday night’s game with City, Monk said Fletcher was withdrawn because he ‘felt very tired’.

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“As I said before, with Steven it’s a normal process with someone who has been out for a period of time,” said Monk. “That process would be to have a few weeks of training, possibly some minutes with the under 23s before he comes back in.

Sheffield Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher is expected to feature in the FA Cup tie with Manchester City. Pic Steve EllisSheffield Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher is expected to feature in the FA Cup tie with Manchester City. Pic Steve Ellis
Sheffield Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher is expected to feature in the FA Cup tie with Manchester City. Pic Steve Ellis

“But obviously with the presence and the influence Fletch has on the team it was probably needs must and we put him back into the team. He did 45 on Saturday and he just felt very tired – and that’s quite understandable.

“It was just more precautionary knowing he was tired. We haven’t been able to get too much training into him, as I said before it’s about getting him as many minutes on the pitch as he can get and it will do him the world of good.

“He’ll definitely be involved (tomorrow) whether that’s starting or coming from the bench.”

Monk also revealed that Massimo Luongo (calf) and Moses Odubajo (hamstring) trained for the first time today and Adam Reach (toe) is expected to return to training next week.