Steven Fletcher was a surprise absentee from Sheffield Wednesday’s starting lineup against Bristol City on Sunday. The 32-year-old, who boasts 12 goals in 21 Championship games this season, was left out of the matchday squad and replaced in attack by Atdhe Nuhiu.
Supporters will have guessed the decision from Garry Monk wasn’t due to his form, as Fletcher has contributed eight goals in his last seven league appearances, but why did he miss out over the weekend? According to Dom Howson of the Sheffield Star, Fletcher’s absence was down to illness.
Nuhiu started alongside Jordan Rhodes against City and had a hand in the winning goal – he was fouled for Wednesday’s penalty which Barry Bannan converted in the 85th minute of the game. The win saw Monk’s men move up to third in the table with 39 points from 23 games.
Ahead of their Boxing Day meeting with Stoke City, Wednesday boast four wins and two draws from their last six games. They travel to face an out-of-form Potters side sitting rock bottom in the Championship with only one win from their last six.
