Sheffield Wednesday’s defensive line has taken a significant hit with the confirmation that in-form centre-back Akin Famewo will be out for several months due to injury.
Manager Danny Rohl delivered the update following the team’s Carabao Cup loss to Brentford, leaving fans and team members alike bracing for an extended period without one of their standout performers.
The timing of Famewo’s injury is particularly unfortunate, given the strong form he has displayed as part of Wednesday’s recent shift to a three-man defence. The 25-year-old has excelled on the left side of this setup, contributing to an uptick in performance for the Owls after a challenging start to their season.
Defensive Adjustments Ahead
The Owls will now have to reconfigure their defensive strategy as they navigate a competitive Championship schedule without Famewo. Max Lowe, who joined Wednesday in the summer after a stint with city rivals Sheffield United, appears to be Rohl’s primary option to cover the left-sided centre-back position. Although Lowe has mainly operated as a wing-back, his experience as a left-sided defender saw him step into the back three against Brentford, a move that is likely to continue.
With Lowe’s transition to centre-back, Marvin Johnson is expected to assume the wing-back role, offering a solution but also underscoring the squad’s defensive limitations. Sheffield Wednesday may now be regretting their decision not to reinforce the centre-back position further in the recent transfer window, as they rely heavily on Lowe’s versatility to fill the gap left by Famewo.
“No, it is not good,” Röhl told The Star when asked about the players’ injury. “We speak about months at the moment. It is a big one.”
The news leaves Sheffield Wednesday with a significant challenge as they seek to maintain their positive momentum. Rohl’s side will have to contend with a reshuffled defence as they prepare to face Watford at Hillsborough this Saturday. Although the Hornets have shown strong form at home, their away performance has been inconsistent, giving the Owls a potential edge despite the setback.
Writer’s View
Famewo’s absence is a tough blow for Wednesday, especially as they build rhythm with their new defensive system. His ability to blend defensive strength with an adept left-sided role has been crucial, and the team’s depth will be tested in the coming months. Rohl’s adaptation skills will be vital as he seeks a steady replacement, but Wednesday’s decision not to strengthen their defence over the summer could now be costly.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
