What Tony Pulis said on Keiren Westwood's injury after Sheffield Wednesday's battling 1-1 draw at Swansea City

Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis fears they may be without number one goalkeeper Keiren Westwood for a ‘few matches’ after the 36-year-old hobbled out of their battling 1-1 draw at Swansea.
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The former Republic of Ireland international, back in the side after a year having been frozen out by previous manager Garry Monk, left the field after only 14 minutes having tried to play on with the injury for several minutes.

He was replaced by Joe Wildsmith, who made a vital save in the final minutes to help earn the Owls a good point at the expense of the promotion-chasing Welsh side.

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Westwood, whose contract is up at the end of the summer, returned to the side after the appointment of Pulis, who at his very first press conference as Owls boss described the former Sunderland man as one of the best stoppers in the division.

Owls keeper Keiren Westwood comes off injured.  Pic Steve EllisOwls keeper Keiren Westwood comes off injured.  Pic Steve Ellis
Owls keeper Keiren Westwood comes off injured. Pic Steve Ellis

The frustrated keeper was heard telling goalkeeping coach Nicky Weaver “It’s just gone” as he headed down the tunnel.

All three senior goalkeepers, including Cameron Dawson, warmed up on the pitch prior to the clash and Pulis commented that Wildsmith may be needed ‘for a few matches’ as Westwood is assessed.

Asked about the extent of the injury after the match Pulis said: “We’ll see. He felt his groin as he kicked the ball. Keiren has just come back to play, he’s had two full games in a few days and that might be a bit of my fault, playing two games in such a short space of time like that.

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“I do rate him. I think he is a top, top goalkeeper and I want him in my team."

“We won’t know more until we get a better look at him tomorrow.”

The Welsh manager, who picked up his first point as Hillsborough boss in the nip-and-tuck encounter, bemoaned the Championship fixture schedule having already questioned the club’s record of soft tissue injuries. He counted six first team starters as unavailable.

In a disciplined display the Owls gained a point through a well-worked Adam Reach goal but lost ground on the safety point as 21st-placed Coventry earned their third win of the season at home to struggling Cardiff.

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