Sheffield Wednesday have received an injury boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Birmingham City, with Steven Fletcher having ‘returned to training’ this week.
The 32-year-old has been out of action since early-January with a knee injury, causing him to miss Wednesday’s last eight games in all competitions, but he’s made a full recovery and could be fit to face the Blues.
Garry Monk revealed that Fletcher is available for selection but may not be ready for a full 90 minutes at St Andrew’s. The Scotland international should make the matchday squad at the very least.
Monk said in Thursday’s pre-match press conference: “Fletch is one real big positive. He’s been back in training this week and he looks good. We’ll make a decision on him, he’s been brilliant with his rehab and has trained all week.
“It’s only his first week but he’s a fit lad anyway so we’ll make a decision on him. I’ve haven’t spoken to him as yet, I’ve let him get on with things and I’ll speak to him tomorrow in terms of how he feels.
“It’s a big ask to expect him to play 90 minutes with intensity but it’s a positive feeling with him being back out there.” Fletcher has made 24 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating 14 goals.
Wednesday haven’t won a Championship game without him. They sit 12th in the table, having picked up five points and scoring only four goals in their last seven league outings that Fletcher missed.
Jordan Rhodes, Connor Wickham, Atdhe Nuhiu and Fernando Forestieri have all been given opportunities and failed to deliver, so the 32-year-old’s return couldn’t come at a better time.
