Henrik Pedersen reveals Sheffield Wednesday injury latest on Pierce Charles, Jarvis Thornton and others
Sheffield Wednesday continued their voyage to the end of their long Championship campaign with another spirited effort at Middlesbrough.
Midweek defeat at promotion-chasing Middlesbrough provided further examples of spirit in a brow-beaten Sheffield Wednesday side - but will perhaps be better remembered for the scenes from the stands and a smattering of injury ins and outs. Owls supporters delivered another ‘barmy army’ of an evening, singing long into the night before some home supporters chose to stand an applaud them before leaving the Riverside.
On the injury front, the absence of star man goalkeeper Pierce Charles caused some surprise, while the pack was shuffled as they headed into a third game in 11 days at the back end of a long and arduous campaign.
“He got knocked in his back against Charlton, so he couldn't play,” Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen said on Charles. “And for Nate (Chalobah), he was on the bench, because he has played much more than he has done in more months, and I didn't want to risk anything. It was the same with Olaf.
“I think he will play, but we are not sure yet,” the Owls boss said on whether he expects Charles to feature in their final two games of the season. “We will test it tomorrow and the day after, but there was no chance that he would play today.”
Youngster Jarvis Thornton was taken off with just over 20 minutes to go having received treatment on what looked to be his calf - and was replaced by teenager Will Grainger. Asked about any concern over midfielder Thornton, the Dane said: “I think it's OK, but honestly, I don't know. I don't think it's so bad.”
Pedersen said that the rare omission of Jamal Lowe from the starting line-up was just ‘a decision’ rather than any injury concern or a case of fatigue. The Jamaica international came off the bench alongside Nathaniel Chalobah after the hour mark and looked sharp.