Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl says his squad have injury ‘question marks’ ahead of a key Championship clash this weekend.
The Owls boss revealed little concrete information on his squad’s availability ahead of this weekend’s game against West Bromwich Albion, which could prove crucial in both teams’ seasons going into the spring months.
Two certain absences
German Rohl did go as far as saying that two of Wednesday’s long term absentees would miss the game, having been on the sidelines for a while now.
Defenders Akin Famewo and Dominic Iorfa have both been out of action now for some time and are reportedly not set to return until March, which leaves Wednesday stretched at the back at a key period of time.
Rohl’s comments to the Sheffield Star on Wednesday’s injury situation, amid rumours of some problems, were simple:
“There is Dom and Akin and then maybe some question marks. Let’s see now.”
“Question marks” over attackers
In addition to the certain absences, two players appear to be touch and go for fitness ahead of the weekend’s trip to The Hawthorns. Wingers Anthony Musaba and new signing Ibrahim Cissoko have been had spells away and could be in line to return against the Baggies. Musaba has been out for two weeks while loanee Cissoko has been out for large chunks of time since October.
On the former Plymouth Argyle winger’s fitness, Rohl said,
“We are building him up now. The final decision will be tomorrow and then when you look ahead there will be three games in a row.
“This means we have to look from game to game and what is important now is that he makes the first steps with the team. He trained yesterday fully, he was in today. Let’s see what the decision is.”
A key play-off clash
Wednesday fans will be hoping both Cissoko and Musaba are match fit with a key game coming up this weekend. The Yorkshire side travel to West Bromwich for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in what could be a key game for both teams in the race for the play-offs. The hosts currently have the upper hand in 6th but a win for Wednesday could see them into the play-off spots, with the Owls currently lying only two points behind their opponents. Saturday’s game could not be bigger for both teams.
Writer’s View
This is clever from Rohl, who has kept everyone guessing ahead of a key game. He is likely biding his time before making a decision; having these two back would be a huge help but rushing them back may cause even more harm. It’s clear, though, that having them fit would go a long way this weekend.
