Garry Monk left Barry Bannan out of the matchday squad in Sheffield Wednesday’s FA Cup win over Queens Park Rangers (January 24) and should bring him back into the starting lineup against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night.
The 30-year-old has been a regular for Wednesday this season, making 27 appearances in all competitions, but Monk has afforded him a rest in the FA Cup – Bannan was left out of the squad in the Owls third-round win over Brighton & Hove Albion (January 4).
In the Championship, Bannan has played in 26 of Wednesday’s 28 games, racking up 2277 minutes of playing time from a possible 2520. The Scotland international is a key player for the Owls and should benefit from being rested last week. He’ll be needed more than ever as Wednesday are enduring an injury crisis of late.
Ahead of Tuesday evening’s meeting with Wigan, Monk could be without Massimo Luongo and Sam Hutchinson. Kieran Lee is doubtful too. Bannan may be forced to start alongside Joey Pelupessy as a result while Alex Hunt could make the bench as cover.
