Sheffield Wednesday give encouraging Jaden Heskey injury update after missing Southampton defeat
Sheffield Wednesday were without Manchester City loanee Jaden Heskey for their defeat to Southampton.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has confirmed midfielder Jaden Heskey missed Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Southampton at Hillsborough with an Achilles problem - but has stressed it is not serious.
Pedersen, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, confirmed the on-loan Manchester City man had taken a “big knock” to his Achilles and was a doubt for the visit of the Saints.
After being unable to train on Friday, Wednesday’s worst fears were confirmed when it was decided Heskey was in no condition to be considered to play any part in the matchday squad.
Since arriving on loan from the Etihad Stadium last month, the midfielder had featured in every Championship game he had been available for, making eight starts and one substitute appearance. He was replaced in the engine room by Nathaniel Chalobah, who made his first start since December.
Although Heskey’s absence was a blow, Pedersen is confident he could be back as soon as next weekend.
Pedersen shares Heskey update
“Jaden was out today because he got a knock on his Achilles,” Pedersen told The Star. “He had no chance to be in the squad today.
“We hope that he can train Tuesday or Wednesday.”
Asked if he could be in contention for next weekend’s trip to Pride Park to face Derby County, Pedersen clarified: “Yes, I hope so.”
Wednesday’s defeat to Southampton marked a 12th successive Championship defeat for the Owls, meaning they are still waiting to earn their first point(s) of 2026. However, Pedersen refused to be critical of his players.
“I said to the boys after the game, hate to lose a football game, but I'm so proud of you. And I really think that they put everything in what they have today.
“And, of course, in the third game [of this week], we don't have energy just to go, go, go, go, go.”