All the injury and suspension updates ahead of Saturday’s South Yorkshire derby at Hillsborough.
The managers of Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United have provided updates on the fitness of their respective squads ahead of Saturday’s Championship meeting between the two sides.
Quoted by the club’s official Twitter feed, Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal has confirmed that midfielder Barry Bannan is doubtful due to the fact he has been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Barry Bannan
The Scottish international has missed just one Championship match for Wednesday so far this season but may require a rest on Saturday, which could open the door for Almen Abdi to return to the side.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Almen Abdi looks dejected
Carvalhal also went on to explain that Lucas Joao still lacks match sharpness as he returns from a lengthy spell on the sidelines; the Portuguese striker has come in for some criticism after missing a great chance at Reading last weekend and looking off the pace in midweek.
Carvalhal’s side are looking to claim their second derby victory in the space of five days having seen off Barnsley in midweek, but the Owls have found Rotherham difficult visitors over the years; Wednesday have not beaten the Millers at Hillsborough since 1981.
Sheffield Wednesday have not beaten Rotherham at Hillsborough for 35 years
Speaking to Rotherham’s official website, interim manager Paul Warne has said that he will have to assess the fitness of his strikers ahead of the clash at Hillsborough.
Izzy Brown and top scorer Danny Ward were both withdrawn early in the midweek defeat at Fulham, but Warne seemed to suggest that Brown’s knock was not as bad as first feared as his substitution was a precautionary measure.
Rotherham’s Jon Taylor celebrates scoring their first goal with Izzy Brown
“Izzy came off with a tight hamstring, but he hasn’t pulled it,” Warne said.
“He wasn’t moving well, then all of sudden he went on a run, so we were left thinking is he okay or not. In the end we didn’t want to risk him and then lose him for three or four weeks, so reluctantly we took him off.”
Warne’s attacking options are boosted by the return of Peter Odemwingie, who has served his three match ban after being sent off in the home defeat to Leeds.
The Nigerian will need to rein in his temper and start finding the net if the Millers are to launch a great escape; they are 12 points adrift of safety and have won just twice this season.
Rotherham United’s Danny Ward (L) in action with Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark
After Saturday’s local grudge match, Rotherham face back-to-back crunch matches over the festive season; they host fellow strugglers Wigan on Boxing Day before welcoming Burton three days later.
The Millers claimed a surprise win at Hillsborough last season thanks to Matt Derbyshire’s first half goal, and will be looking to cause another upset this weekend.
Who will come out on top in this South Yorkshire battle? Leave your predictions below.
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