Luhukay provides Sheffield Wednesday injury update on Kieran Lee and Gary Hooper

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Sheffield Wednesday duo Kieran Lee and Gary Hooper haven’t featured at all this year.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay says both Kieran Lee and Gary Hooper are still a couple of weeks away from returning to full fitness as they step up their pre-season training regime, the Sheffield Star report.

Both players have yet to feature in competitive action in 2018, but Sheffield Wednesday are hopeful that they will be in top condition – and in the running for a first-team place in the near future.

Speaking to reporters on the situation, Luhukay admitted that it has been a long and hard way back for the popular duo, but he said he is hopeful they are on the mend and nearing a return to action.

“He is working very intensively, but Kieran has been out since December. It is a hard, long way back. He makes a progression and that is important in this situation. We are looking at a couple of weeks with Kieran and Gary,” Luhukay said.

“Gary’s not free from pain so that’s why he had intensive treatment at the weekend. It’s why we must take go step by step with him. Hopefully he will take two steps forward over the next week.”

The experienced duo hasn’t featured in any of the Owls’ pre-season matches yet, therefore it’s unlikely they will be ready to push for a regular first-team spot until at least a month into the new campaign.

Lee was sorely missed last season as Sheffield Wednesday struggled in midfield in his absence, after picking up his long-term hip injury so early on in the Championship campaign.

While the Yorkshire club boasts a host of attacking options, Hooper was also a big miss as Jordan Rhodes failed to shine in his absence leaving the club short on quality and prolificacy in the final third.

With both players fit, coupled with the likes of Fernando Forestieri and Barry Bannan available, Sheffield Wednesday have a very competent team – and one capable of challenging for promotion.

Their lowly finish last season was without doubt due to their crippling injuries, therefore Owls fans have plenty to be excited as the new season approaches.