Henrik Pedersen reveals fresh Sheffield Wednesday injury concerns after Brentford defeat
Sheffield Wednesday encountered more injury fears during their FA Cup defeat to Brentford on Saturday.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has revealed youngster Yisa Alao was forced off in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Brentford at Hillsborough in the FA Cup because of a hamstring concern.
The talented left-back, 17, secured just his second senior start for the Owls, coming into the team in place of Harry Amass, who recently returned to Manchester United following the conclusion of his loan spell at Hillsborough.
Attracting bids from both Liverpool and Manchester United last month, Alao, who was not allowed to wear the Owls’ front-of-shirt sponsor on his shirt due to being under the age of 18, offered flashes of his capabilities from left-back.
He was brave enough to get on the ball and venture into the Brentford half, as well as showing good awareness to keep a close eye on lively Brentford winger Romelle Donovan.
However, his afternoon came to an end after 60 minutes because of a hamstring complaint, sparking yet another concern for Owls boss Pedersen and the medical team.
Pedersen issues Alao update
”We took him out today because he had a problem with his hamstring,” Pedersen told The Star. “To play a game for him on this level, it is to maximise every single action for him.
“And that's why, and already in the break we spoke with him, he has a challenge, so we could not let him play longer. I would love to give him 90 minutes, but it was not possible.”
Asked for clarification if Alao had encountered the injury during the game and had not been nursing it pre-match, Pedersen confirmed: “It came through during the game, he didn't have anything before. It is too early [to say how serious it could be].”
Meanwhile, the Owls manager also confirmed he was forced to withdraw Rio Shipston because of a hamstring concern of his own.
“Rio, we took him out because also his hamstring was tight. They are all on the limit.”