Garry Monk said in a press conference via Zoom video call that Keiren Westwood still “has a shoulder injury” ahead of Sheffield Wednesday’s Championship return later this month, reports Yorkshire Live.
The 35-year-old’s last appearance came in the Owls’ 2-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion (November 23, 2019) while his exile from the first-team came in December 2019, but Monk insists Westwood’s absence is more injury-related than personal.
He said: “(Westwood) has a shoulder injury. He was nursing that before (the Covid-19 pandemic). Speaking to the medical guys, he is coming more and more back to full health now. In terms of his return to fitness, I think he is still a little bit of a way off that.”
The experienced goalkeeper has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season, conceding 15 goals and keeping four clean sheets. Westwood has struggled for consistency under Monk, leading to him losing his place to Cameron Dawson, but his future may be in doubt if he remains on the periphery.
Westwood has one more year on his contract, but he won’t want to stay at Hillsborough if he’s not making the matchday squad. Whether fans see the Republic of Ireland international back out on the pitch when he returns from injury remains to be seen.
The Owls’ season will resume in a matter of weeks, with the EFL confirming a provisional return date of June 20.
