Sheffield Wednesday get major injury boost ahead of Wigan clash as Di'Shon Bernard set for landmark moment
Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen has shared some encouraging injury news ahead of the clash with Wigan Athletic.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has confirmed that centre-back Liam Cooper is available for Saturday’s League One clash with Wigan Athletic.
The experienced defender was forced off at half-time in last Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Peterborough United and had to be replaced by youngster Ernie Weaver ahead of the second half.
The former Leeds United man, who signed a new contract at Hillsborough during the summer, had produced another solid showing in the first half against Posh, building on the commanding performance he produced in the 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park a few days earlier.
However, Cooper has recovered in time for the clash with bottom-of-the-table Wigan, meaning he is likely to keep his place in the heart of the defence.
Speaking to the media at Middlewood Road on Friday afternoon, Pedersen said: “He looks fresh, he looks good, he looks happy. He's looking strong and I'm happy to see that.
“He's not normal in a very, very good way. His mentality is amazing, he's such a strong character.
“He puts anything in with his big, big heart, his strong, strong mentality and his strong, strong personality. He's a warrior and he will always stand up again. I'm happy that he feels good.”
However, Wednesday are still waiting to find out if fellow centre-back Ricardo Santos will be available for selection after the former Swansea City man missed the clashes with Wycombe and Peterborough.
Issuing an update on his recovery, Pedersen said: “It's going forward and he's looking stronger and stronger, so I'm very positive for him also. Let's see tomorrow.
“Now we still wait for the reaction from the training. It's too early to say that he's a fixed part of the squad tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Pedersen has confirmed that fellow defender Di’Shon Bernard will take a huge step in his recovery from a long-term knee injury on Sunday, revealing that he is set to feature for the Under-21s against Charlton Athletic at Hillsborough.
A beaming Pedersen added: “I'm so pleased that he's so far now that he can have a smile on his face and looking forward to playing a football game again. I can feel all the coaches, I can feel all the physiotherapists, the doc, all the players.
“I'm also pleased that he can start in the game now, and I'm sure there will be a big support on Sunday.”