International Break at the Right Time?

Depending on the particular viewpoint of a fan base, the present two week international break in the Championship and Premier League will either be a good thing or a bad thing. In Stuart Gray’s and Sheffield Wednesday’s case it may have come at the perfect time. But why?

With the exceptions of central defender and club captain Glenn Loovens and utility man Liam Palmer ruled out until next season.

The current squad is depleted with an injury list in each outfield. The international break in which all of the home nations have fixtures, will allow the likes of Jose Semedo, Sergiu Bus, Kamil Zayatte and Will Keane. The chance to rest, work on their fitness and gear their training with Wednesday’s medical staff in a bid to return for the remainder of the season.

Zayatte returned to the side in last Saturday’s well documented late show victory at Rotherham. However with Wednesday conceding arguably two very avoidable goals against a plucky Rotherham side who are now facing a scrap in their bid to avoid slipping back into League One. Its was clear that Wednesday are missing the organisation and relationship between Loovens and Lees in heart of the defence.

Prior to his injury Zayatte slotted in well and further training and game time will aid him to get back to match fitness for the rest of the season. He will also be striving to ascertain a new contract extension with his present deal expiring in the summer. So expect him to do all he can to achieve this and he and Tom Lees have shown that they can work well together.

Fans favourite Jose Semedo is in the same boat along with Zayatte, as he is also striving to sign another deal to remain with Wednesday in the summer. Wednesday are fortunate to have strength in depth in the central midfield area with loanee Lewis McGugan, battler Sam Hutchinson and #MillerKiller Kieren Lee vying for a starting place. Semedo however presents a different option an experienced head and a selfless attitude he plays with to ensure that the team benefits rather than him obtaining any personal glory. His attitude and style of play has won over the fans and will not have skipped the attention of clubs in England or abroad.

Young forwards Bus and Keane will be hungry to get back and in the team to further their promising careers. Bus impressed many Wednesdayites with his performances prior to being injured. With him being called up in the past for Romania Under 21’s and scoring 10 goals in 10 games for CSKA Sofia fans will be hoping to see much more him this season upon his return and beyond. At only 22 years old if handled correctly he could be a great signing for the club. Vital Wednesday understand that the Romanian forward is likely to be available following the international break and he will want an opportunity to make a point. Achieving a full international call up with the Romanian national team ahead of Euro2016 won’t be far from his thoughts either.

Similarly Will Keane on loan from Manchester United will have come out on loan to Wednesday. To get some competitive game time under his belt. With his first team opportunities restricted at United, it made sense for him to do this. If he performs well and scores goals he will either push his way in to Van Gaal’s thinking or create a transfer opportunity for himself with rumours of Hull City and indeed Wednesday eyeing a summer transfer for the talented hitman. Having suffered a niggle against Blackpool and then a few days later, he was forced off against Fulham time to gain strength could be what he needs. But with Scottish international Stevie May and Atdhe Nuhiu scoring in recent games and playing well together, both Bus and Keane will need to be on top form to regain regular playing time.

So, Wednesday may have some positive news coming out of the enforced break. But it could mean a selection headache for boss Stuart Gray with key players returning to action.

What would be your start 11 if all of the current Wednesday squad where available for selection? Let Vital Wednesday know in our comments section or via our forum.