Sheffield Wednesday’s Barry Bannan was replaced ten minutes from the end.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay admits he is worried over midfielder Barry Bannan’s fitness after the player told him it felt like a recurrence of a previous long-term groin injury, the Sheffield Star reports.
“With Barry, I’m a little bit scared that it is the groin injury he had last season before I came to the club. He said to me (at the end) it is the same feeling but I hope it is only a little bit of a warning and that he can maybe train back in the next week and be 100 per cent for Middlesbrough,” Luhukay explained.
Bannan missed chunks of last season after picking up a groin injury, and his absence was sorely felt as the Owls struggled to maintain the high standards set in the previous two campaigns.
The former Aston Villa man was influential as the Owls’ ran out 2-1 winners at Bristol City, but he had to be withdrawn ten minutes from time with Joey Pelupessy coming on in his place.
Lucas Joao grabbed both goals for Wednesday as victory shot them up the table and in to a play-off spot, but Luhukay seems more concerned with his star player’s fitness than the current league standings.
Bannan is such a key player for the Owls as he links play in midfield with his superb passing range and there is not a player quite like him at Hillsborough to come in and be a direct replacement.
The Yorkshire club will be hopeful it is nothing serious and will be counting on his availability as tough games await after the next international break, including a short trip to rivals Sheffield United.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
