Hutchinson has only made eight league appearances for Sheffield Wednesday this campaign.
Sam Hutchinson’s early withdrawal against Preston last month was an all too familiar sight for those with an interest in Sheffield Wednesday.
The subsequent diagnosis – that he will sit out the rest of this season – ensures that this is Hutchinson’s worst campaign for absences (38 Championship games missed) since he signed from Chelsea four years ago.
A player once tipped to succeed John Terry at Stamford Bridge, Hutchinson’s injury record is ironically something for which Wednesday should be grateful – for he’d be playing at a far higher level otherwise.
When fit, Hutchinson’s impact on the Owls is evident. His influence, combativeness and commitment are traits that are matched by precious few of the current Hillsborough crop and ensure that he is adored by Wednesdayites like few of his colleagues can be.
But even they are growing impatient at Hutchinson’s lack of availability. And only this month, some fans called for Wednesday to cut their losses on the player, who still has two years left on his contract.
Is there not, however, a more reasonable solution, one that not only keeps Hutchinson at Hillsborough but keeps him available more often?
It’s surely no coincidence that the 28-year-old’s longest run in the Owls’ side (16 straight Championship appearances between October 2016 and January 2017) began in a centre-half’s role, which meant fewer on-the-floor duels and required Hutchinson to focus for the most part on what was happening in front of him – as opposed to all around – removing much of the risk from his game, not only in terms of fitness but discipline too.
Were it not for the absence felt in central midfield, it’s likely that Hutchinson would have remained put, such was the impression he made.
Of Wednesday’s present options at centre-half, Glenn Loovens looks certain to leave, while Daniel Pudil and Frederico Venancio are each out of contract, meaning another one could be high on the club’s list of summer priorities. And after the previous two years’ failures in that area, Hutchinson’s relocation could save the Owls a fair bit of hassle – and it may even save his career.
If that is to be the case, though, signing a Hutchinson-esque midfielder with a significantly better attendance record will be an absolute must for Wednesday. But if his latest campaign is anything to go by, they’ll be needing one of those regardless.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
