Garry Monk confirmed in Thursday’s press conference that Julian Borner has recently returned to fitness ahead of Saturday’s meeting with West Bromwich Albion and is available for selection. The 28-year-old had an ankle injury in late-October and suffered from illness in November.
Borner’s ankle problem kept him out of action in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Leeds United (October 26). Dominic Iorfa and Sam Hutchinson started at centre-back in his stead. After returning in the Owl’s 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers, Borner’s illness then saw him sidelined in their 2-2 draw with Swansea City (November 9). Iorfa partnered Tom Lees at the heart of the defence.
Monk is blessed with a clean bill of health for Saturday’s Championship outing and will be able to name a strong defence against West Brom. Wednesday will have a tough task of getting a result against the league leaders, but they come into the meeting having lost only once in six.
How will Sheffield Wednesday fare against West Bromwich Albion?
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If Borner is fit to start, he should resume his partnership with Iorfa. The 28-year-old has made 14 league appearances this season, scoring once. As per WhoScored, the German centre-back has won 68 aerial duels (64%), blocked 16 crosses/shots/passes, made 62 clearances and has averaged a tackle (14) or interception (21) every 36 minutes. He’s an important player for Monk.
