Sheffield Wednesday return to action against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Glenn Loovens of Sheffield Wednesday (front)
Sheffield Wednesday captain Glenn Loovens is unlikely to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday, having hit a setback in his recovery from injury, according to the Sheffield Star.
So who will partner Tom Lees at the heart of Carlos Carvalhal’s defence? We’ve assessed the Owls boss’ options, and ranked them from least to most likely.
Frederico Venancio
The Portuguese has had a few weeks to bed in since arriving on a season-long loan from Vitoria Setubal, and appeared for Wednesday’s Under-23s at the weekend. He had already played twice for his former club before his move, and should be ready if called upon – but one suspects Carlos will have other options in mind.
Daniel Pudil
The Czech international was Loovens’ stand-in throughout the latter part of August, and did little – aside from, perhaps, Joe Mason’s goal for Burton last week – to suggest that centre-back is anything other than a natural role for him. But with a pair of specialist centre-backs now available, Pudil could find himself moved back to the left.
Joost van Aken
Despite landing Venancio first, Carvalhal’s comments to BBC Radio Sheffield at the weekend suggest Van Aken is the one he really wanted, and the Dutchman is perhaps the most likely starter come Saturday. He too appeared twice for his former club, Heerenveen, in August, and played alongside Venancio for the U23s. His natural left foot and ball-playing abilities could see him picked ahead of the rest.
Who should Wednesday pick to partner Lees against Forest?
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