Sheffield Wednesday are so far enduring a season that if it were a boxing match, the referee would’ve stopped the fight by now. They may be on the ropes, and they will need to come out swinging. However, they have just announced another setback.
Juan Delgado, the Chilean international, has been ruled out indefinitely after a surgery that was kept quiet.
The versatile star – who is comfortable playing on the wings as well as full-back, was due to be playing in the World Cup qualifiers during this international break, who have a double header against Peru and Venezuela. The national team have said they have let the 30-year-old undergo hip surgery, and that there was no immediate time set on his return.
After missing the last game, a goalless draw with Huddersfield Town, winless Wednesday caretaker boss Neil Thompson was quizzed over the left backs omission to which he said he “had a knock”. The sheepish reply could’ve been to avoid more questions on the already long list of players that the Owls are weighed down with right now.
Barry Bannan, Momo Diaby, and Josh Windass are in the treatment room and this latest addition will not be welcome news to fans, having only joined the club in the summer on a free transfer from Portuguese side Pacos Ferreira.
The Yorkshire side will be cursing their luck in a season that just keeps getting worse. They are still looking to replace manager Xisco Munoz, who oversaw the worst start to a season in club history. They are likely to name his successor this week with the favourite to be in the dugout by the next game being Danny Rohl. The 34-year-old has had notable coaching roles with Bayern Munich and Southampton and could be ready for the step up.
Writer’s View
The loss of Delgado is another chapter in the sorry story that the 2023/24 season is fast becoming. After the triumphant return to the Championship last season, it has been one drama after another.
They desperately need to get a manager in place in the coming days so they can get the team ready for the trips to Watford and Plymouth Argyle when football returns after the international break. The injuries that are mounting up will of course hurt, and any new boss will have to work quickly to get this team back to winning ways.
