Sheffield Wednesday right-back Yan Valery has returned from international duty after sustaining an injury, it has been revealed.
A statement from the Tunisian Football Federation, obtained by the Sheffield Star, says Valery has pulled out of Tunisia’s squad for their upcoming games with a minor calf tear after reporting pain in training and is set to be assessed by his club’s medical team. The defender had been set to represent the North African side against Madagascar and Gambia but will have to wait to add to his eight caps.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTopZgTPVzM?si=PsqFm7vE4a4FyC7j]
The French-born 25-year-old, who represented his birth nation at youth level, has been a mainstay for the Owls since joining this summer. He has started all four Championship games thus far and established himself as first-choice on the right side of defence since his move from Southampton, building up his fitness after a spell on the periphery at Saints.
In his absence, the fight for the right-back role looks set to be between two players. Club veteran Liam Palmer would likely bring stability and experience to a shaky backline, whereas Spaniard Pol Valentin held the spot last year and ended the season well, so would have a good argument for being first understudy.
It’s been a difficult start to the season at Hillsborough, with Danny Rohl’s side struggling for form. The highly rated German masterminded the club to survival in the 2023-24 season and there were high hopes he could push the team on, particularly after a busy transfer window. The campaign started well with a 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle but has stagnated since with three consecutive defeats. With Valery now set to be out for a period, Wednesday face a challenge in stooping the rot and improving their fortunes without their starting right-back.
Writer’s View
This is a blow for Wednesday, with Valery having impressed since joining despite the club’s poor form.It does present a chance for the club’s other options, with Liam Palmer potentially providing leadership and Pol Valentin having shown good form in recent months. Fans will be hoping it’s not a long lay-off, and the mention of it being only a minor tear could provide some encouragement that Valery won’t face too long out.
Freelance journalist and host of The Real EFL Podcast, Rhys specialises in the Championship and League One. He joined after graduating in Journalism from the University of Lincoln in 2024.
