The statistics that prove Steven Fletcher's return will be a colossal boost for Sheffield Wednesday

After a sensational run of form saw him score six goals in four matches to help the Owls surge up the table, the Scotsman missed the festive period through illness, before being cruelly struck down with a knee injury against Brighton in the FA Cup.

Since Fletcher's most recent absence, Wednesday have won just once in the league, and scored a mere six goals in eight matches.

During the 32-year-old's aforementioned purple patch, Wednesday registered a mighty 92 shots on goal in six matches. Strikingly, in their six most recent games without him, they've produced just 54.

Arguably, the overall quality of Wednesday's current crop of strikers are a far cry from that of a number of their divisional rivals - Brentford, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion stand out as strong examples - and Fletcher's understudies have failed to seize the opportunity to thrive in his absence.

Wednesday's record signing Jordan Rhodes, whose eight goals for the club have cost an eye-watering £1 million a pop, has again dropped down the striking pecking order, and hasn't featured since a brief cameo appearance against Wigan in January.

Atdhe Nuhiu, despite being the hero in the Owls' 2-0 win against Leeds United back in January, hasn't registered more than one shot on goal in his last six outings, while loanee Connor Wickham is yet to really hit the ground running since his switch from Crystal Palace.

Owls boss Garry Monk is upbeat on the chances of Fletcher returning to action soon, and recently told the club's official website: "Fletcher is doing fantastic. He was well on his way to having his most successful season but look, that happens.

"We have tried to adapt with it and everyone that has come in and given their best."