Sheffield Wednesday chief Garry Monk gives injury update on Fernando Forestieri

Forestieri, who has endured a frustrating campaign, suffered the knock in the first half of Wednesday's 3-1 triumph at Charlton Athletic on November 30. He was forced off at half-time and replaced by Newcastle United loanee Jacob Murphy.

Monk initially described Forestieri's injury as a "niggle" and was hopeful the talismanic forward would make a speedy recovery. He said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's clash with promotion rivals Brentford that Forestieri "could be anything between seven and 10 days".

But speaking prior to the team's trip to Derby County, Monk told The Star: "It could possibly be a little bit longer (with Fernando).

"We will have to wait and see whether this week is going to be good for him or not.

"I have to keep assessing it."

Eight of Forestieri's 10 appearances this term have come from the bench. He has struggled to force his way into Monk's starting XI, featuring just once from the start since the ex-Swansea City defender's arrival.

"We have to be careful (with Fernando)," admitted Monk. "He has had inconsistency or so in the last two years.

"He had inconsistent start (to this season) with being suspended for so long and in and out (of the team).

"We will assess him as we go along and see what happens."

Monk will check on Keiren Westwood (shoulder) and Liam Palmer in training on Tuesday before finalising his squad to take on the mid-table Rams. The duo have not played since their defeat away to West Bromwich Albion. Palmer is in contention to return at right-back after completing a three-match suspension.

"We are assessing them," said Monk, who visited Sheffield Children's Hospital on Monday to spread some festive cheer as part of the club's #BlueAndWhiteChristmasDay. "We have another training session and then I will make a decision.

"I think everyone is ready. Their focus has been good and we are going to need it in this period."