Burton v Sheffield Wednesday: Forestieri facing a battle to regain his Owls spot despite Wednesday apology

The talisman striker courted controversy after electing not to travel to Norfolk on Friday, claiming that ‘his mind was not in the right place’ after being linked with moves to Newcastle United and Derby County, with the Rams seeing a £7m bid rebuffed.

The pair remain interested in Forestieri, who has three years left on his deal, although Wednesday have stressed that he will not be sold.

In a bid to build bridges with supporters, many of whom were critical of his actions, Forestieri issued an apology via Twitter yesterday – while insisting that he had never asked to leave Wednesday.

He tweeted: “There are a lot of rumours and opinions going around which have been blown out of proportion and are upsetting.

“I just want to clarify I have never wanted to leave and have always and still do want to play for Sheffield Wednesday!

“I apologise for my behaviour and know there is no excuse!

“I hope we can move on, so I can focus only on my passion!”

Head coach Carvalhal admits that he is ‘happy’ that Forestieri, 26, issued an apology, which is likely to represent a starting point towards his rehabilitation back into the fold after the unfortunate events in the build-up to the Norwich game.

On Forestieri, who reportedly also had to be convinced to play in the Owls’ home opener with Aston Villa by Carvalhal and captain Glenn Loovens, the head coach said: “He apologised to the staff and his colleagues. This is one part of the situation.

“The other part is whether he will be involved against Burton. It is not in the same box. It is a completely different thing.

“I saw the situation with positive eyes when a player recognises they made a mistake and come to apologise to the group and the coaches.

“He knows his behaviour was not correct at that moment.

“We have a disciplinary process at the moment because he missed a game.

“It is not an easy thing to do, but of course the disciplinary process is normal when a player does not come to work or play. It is a completely normal thing.

“You never have a reason not to go to work. You can be fighting with everything or upset with your work. You do not miss your work.

“This is why Fernando has apologised because he knows his behaviour was not correct.”

Meanwhile, Barry Bannan has stressed that he and his team-mates did not feel let down by Forestieri’s refusal to play at the weekend and hopes that he will be swiftly reintegrated back into the starting line-up.

The Scottish midfielder said: “We did not feel let down, not at all. It is nothing to do with us.

“I am there to worry about myself and the team that is there and we have to worry about what we do on that pitch. We just get on with the group.

“Whatever is going on behind the scenes, our job is to go out there and get results on the pitch.

“(But) There is no doubting his ability. Everyone knows what he is about and he is one of our best players and he has been brilliant for this club and we want him in this team playing as he is one of the best parts of this team.

“That is what everybody wants for this club really.”

The Owls are close to signing Burnley midfielder David Jones on a three-year deal.

Last six games: Burton WWDLWL; Sheffield Wednesday WDLWLD.

Referee: N Swarbrick (Lancashire).