Sheffield Wednesday team news as Jamie Smith reveals possible return of key man for Derby shootout

One of Sheffield Wednesday’s key players could come in for involvement in their monster last day trip to Derby County, stand-in boss Jamie Smith has revealed.
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Midfield man Massimo Luongo could well feature, he said, though it would likely be from the bench. The influential Australian international’s last appearance came in the 2-1 win at Bournemouth on February 2.

Chey Dunkley, who appeared close to coming on in last weekend’s goalless draw with Nottingham Forest, could also play in what would be his first involvement since defeat at Luton.

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There will be no return for Moses Odubajo, who is out of contract and could have played his last game for the club, and a similar scenario is on another Wednesday defender, Smith confirmed.

Massimo Luongo could play a part in Sheffield Wednesday's final game of the season, says Jamie Smith.Massimo Luongo could play a part in Sheffield Wednesday's final game of the season, says Jamie Smith.
Massimo Luongo could play a part in Sheffield Wednesday's final game of the season, says Jamie Smith.

Joost van Aken, who has been quoted hinting at a move away this summer, will miss out.

Smith said: “Joost, I wouldn’t have thought so, but Chey and Massimo could potentially play.

“I wouldn’t say he [Luongo] is likely to start because he hasn’t really trained too much, but it’s just really good to have him back involved with the squad.

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“You’ve got to be very careful, you can’t rush into things, rush them back and put more pressure on the injury.

“We’ve had to take it day by day and see how these guys react to the training schedule.”

Confirming the squad had suffered no fresh worries since the Forest stalemate, Smith suggested sweeping changes were not on the cards for the weekend’s clash which requires a win for them to stay in the Championship.

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