Explained: Why Tom Lees missed Sheffield Wednesday’s win over Leeds United
Tom Lees was a surprise absentee from Sheffield Wednesday’s matchday squad in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Leeds United and Garry Monk revealed why.
He told the Sheffield Star: “(Lees) has been ill over the last two days. He trained on Friday but he didn’t feel right after the training session so that is why he didn’t travel.”
The 29-year-old was replaced by Julian Borner who partnered Dominic Iorfa at centre-back and helped keep a clean sheet against the Championship’s fourth-highest goalscorers (43).
As per WhoScored, Borner had 50 touches, won one aerial duel, created one chance, had three shots, completed 90.6% of his 32 passes, made two interceptions, drew three fouls, made one successful dribble, gave away two fouls and made six clearances.
He’s steered the side to their second clean sheet in a week too, having shut out Brighton in the 1-0 FA Cup win on January 4.
As for Lees, the Englishman has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season. He’s had time out of the side due to injury but has always been a regular at centre-back when fit.
Lees has featured in 10 of the Owls’ last 11 league games before missing the Leeds clash, so Monk should bring him back into the starting lineup. Wednesday next face Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.