The full extent of Sheffield Wednesday's injury crisis ahead of Portsmouth fixture
Sheffield Wednesday are rapidly running out of players amid a never-ending injury crisis.
After a squad exodus took place during the summer, the last thing Sheffield Wednesday needed this season was an injury crisis.
Unfortunately for them, they are currently experiencing one of the worst they have had in recent years. After manager Henrik Pedersen, ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Brentford, confirmed Dominic Iorfa was the latest addition to the treatment room, the Owls are anxiously waiting to find out how long they could now be without goalkeeper Pierce Charles.
The Northern Ireland international was forced off in the second half of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to the Bees because of a shoulder injury. He cut a devastated figure as he left the pitch, burying his head in his hands, suggesting it was serious.
The shot-stopper, who had made a cluster of fine saves prior to being replaced by Logan Stretch, was due to undergo a scan on Sunday, and it remains to be seen how serious his injury is. However, judging by his reaction when leaving the field on Saturday, it feels inevitable he is set for another stint on the sidelines, depriving Pedersen of another key player.
With that in mind, here’s a full breakdown of Wednesday are currently at with injuries ahead of Saturday’s clash with Portsmouth at Hillsborough:
Goalkeepers:
As already documented, Charles’ withdrawal against Brentford due to a shoulder injury has generated concerns he could be set for another lengthy stint on the sidelines. However, until the club officially confirms the outcome of his scan, it is important not to speculate on just how long the 20-year-old could be absent for.
Defenders:
Wednesday’s injury problems at centre-back are spiralling out of control, so much so Gabriel Otegbayo, who does not turn 21 for another month, was their most senior defender on the pitch against Brentford.
Iorfa, as already documented, was the latest centre-back to be consigned to the treatment room last week because of a groin injury, and he faces up to six weeks on the sidelines. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man is the second senior centre-back Wednesday have lost in as many weeks, after recently losing Liam Cooper to a groin injury of his own.
The experienced defender, who joined Wednesday on a short-term deal in November, was forced off in the Owls’ 3-0 defeat to Preston North End on New Year’s Day and Pedersen confirmed three days later he faces up to four weeks on the sidelines.
The Owls lost Max Lowe in their 3-1 defeat to Ipswich Town at Portman Road a few days before Christmas due to a calf injury, and it was later confirmed he will be missing for four to six weeks, meaning he won’t be available just yet.
Left-back Yisa Alao, 17, was given just his second senior start against Brentford, offering him the opportunity to impress, but his afternoon came to an end after 60 minutes because of a hamstring issue. It remains to be seen how serious it may be.
Fellow youngster Ernie Weaver has been missing since October and is not expected to play again this season because of a foot injury that required surgery, while Gui Siqueira is another long-term absentee after suffering an Achilles injury while playing for the Under-21s back in September.
Elsewhere, it is approaching almost a year since Di’Shon Bernard last played for the Owls after suffering a serious knee injury. Pedersen confirmed at the end of December there is a chance he could return before the end of the season.
Midfielders:
Nathaniel Chalobah is currently the headline absentee from Wednesday’s midfield pool after Pedersen, on Boxing Day, confirmed he faces up to six weeks out with a suspected hamstring issue. Injury problems have plagued his Owls career, restricting him to just 21 appearances since the beginning of last season.
Youngster Rio Shipston, like Alao, complained about a hamstring issue during the defeat to Brentford and had to be taken off in the second half. Again, it remains to be seen if he will require a spell on the sidelines.
Fellow youngster Bruno Fernandes is also currently sidelined through injury but it is understood he is on the comeback trail. He has featured twice this season, but his most recent outing was right back at the start of November.
Elsewhere, Barry Bannan is expected to return against Portsmouth after being handed a rare breather against Brentford.
Attackers:
Wednesday are currently light on attacking options, meaning Pedersen was forced to hand another start to Bailey Cadamarteri against Brentford when, in an ideal world, he probably could have done with a breather. Charlie McNeill was also handed a fourth start in 13 days.
George Brown is once again on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury last month, ruling him out for potentially up to two months. Fellow striker Iké Ugbo is also out with a hamstring issue and it remains to be seen when he will next be available for selection.
Olaf Kobacki, who joined Wednesday in July 2024, has been unavailable since September through injury, but Pedersen recently confirmed he was expected to step up his load in training, suggesting he could be back in contention sooner rather than later. However, Pedersen, ahead of the defeat to Brentford, did confirm he does not expect to recover anyone until the clash with Wrexham at Hillsborough on January 31.