Sheffield Wednesday expect major fitness boost ahead of final three matches

Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk is hopeful he will have close to a full squad to choose from ahead of tomorrow’s clash with relegation-threatened Huddersfield Town.
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The Owls, fresh off an impressive 3-0 win at QPR on Saturday, seem to have got through a difficult time with injuries as the small squad struggled to deal with the rigours of the post-lockdown schedule.

The win saw Wednesday welcome captain Tom Lees and loanee Josh Windass back into the fold after hamstring and thigh injuries respectively. Windass scored at Loftus Road to take his tally to three Owls goals in six outings.

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“Credit to them, coming in off the back of limited training time,” Monk said.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk is hopeful they could see a return to action for Connor Wickham this week. Pic Steve Ellis.Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk is hopeful they could see a return to action for Connor Wickham this week. Pic Steve Ellis.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk is hopeful they could see a return to action for Connor Wickham this week. Pic Steve Ellis.

“They’re naturally fit lads anyway but when you haven’t trained properly and then you’re thrown straight into a game, it’s a big ask.

“But both of them were excellent. Tom at the back did really well and kept us solid, he was really fantastic and Josh looked a threat the whole time he was on the pitch.

“He was a little disappointed he didn’t grab a couple more goals with some of the opportunities.”

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There was concern over Lees’ fitness when he was brought off after 75 minutes, but Monk hopes it won’t be an issue.

“It was more precautionary, he hasn’t trained, so that was just a bit of tightness towards the end of the game. We brought him off to keep him fresh.”

There is a potential triple-boost in the possible return of Connor Wickham, Liam Palmer and Kieran Lee, all of whom missed out in London as a precaution.

Asked on the fitness of Wickham, Monk said: “He just didn’t feel quite right, the same as Kieran, but we’re very hopeful that with the extra days they’ll be alright for midweek.

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“It’s a case of assessing them every single day. Connor is back out training but at this moment it was a case of not risking that to lose him for the rest of the games.

“We’re very hopeful that the two of them will be back in contention and as of right now there are no other injuries.”

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