Sheffield Wednesday are the lucky ones. Just before heading to their next Championship match against Blackburn Rovers, the club got a massive injury return. It seems that their goalkeeper who has been out for a long may be able to get back – and the fans are cautiously optimistic.
Sheffield Wednesday Injury Boost: Pierce Charles
The one we mean is 19 years old goalkeeper Pierce Charles. The last time he injured his shoulder, and he had to go through surgery, so he has not been part of the team for half a year. To cover the period of his absence, the club has been signing players on loan – thus bringing the players from the bench who can take over the goal department.
However, the case may actually change now. Charles was not so long ago on the pitch for an Owls XI in a local cup competition. He demonstrated that he is now completely healed and ready to face challenges. The manager Henrik Pedersen said that they will decide about his condition within the next 2 days and if all is well, he might return to the squad for the match at Ewood Park against Blackburn this weekend.
Other Squad Absences
In a match against Blackburn, Pierce Charles might be playing for the Owls. There are still some players who have not joined the team. Defenders Di’Shon Bernard and Gui Siqueira will be out for an extended period. As per the sources, due to her Achilles tendon rupture, Siqueira may not be able to get on the pitch again this season. Midfielder Rio Shipston will also be out of the matchday squad. Winger Olaf Kobacki has also been a victim of the injury bug in recent times.
Words of the Manager
The information is a welcome lift for a club that has not been having its way this season. Besides injury problems, Sheffield Wednesday was recently hit by another points deduction – a blow that has made their drop to a lower league situation closer than most fans would care for. Nevertheless, Pedersen has emphasized that the team’s attitude is still the same regardless of what is going on off the field. He mentions that the team still prepares with the same level of work, and the players are still willing to give their best when they are out on the pitch.
Team News Amid Suspensions
An additional nice and small thing to be cheerful about is that the club did not get suspensions for three of the senior players. Simply put, they won’t have to stay away from the field due to a combination of yellow cards. Such stability will be good given the already small squad.
Still, there is no room for celebration just yet. The manager, even if Charles comes back, will probably not take any chances. He will only allow him to start when he is completely fit. Also, the club will have to continue relying on the permanent and loan players. They have been filling in for him during his absence until the day of his return.
Author’s Point of View
Supporters of Wednesday get a little but important reason to look on the bright side of things. Once Charles is there – even if only on the bench – the team will have more options. That will be a very key position. It may not be a big overnight change. Still, it’s a very real sign that the club is starting to come out of its slump.
With the match against Blackburn ahead, people cannot stop wondering if Charles will be able to pass that last fitness test. If the result is that he is in the squad, it definitely can elevate the morale of both players and fans.
