Sheffield Wednesday handed injury concern as on-loan Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi sidelined
A recent Sheffield Wednesday loan signing has suffered an injury setback
Sheffield Wednesday forward Ali Al-Hamadi has withdrawn from international duty with Iraq due to injury.
The 24-year-old arrived at Hillsborough in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, sealing a season-long loan move from Premier League outfit Ipswich Town.
He has since made four substitute appearances in League One, although was absent for Wednesday’s recent draw with Stockport County due to injury.
The chances of Al-Hamadi missing Iraq’s Gulf Cup fixtures were played down, although he appears to have suffered a setback.
Iraq head coach confirms Ali Al-Hamadi injury
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold said: “We had only two days to prepare, and working on physical fitness was the most important thing before the opening match
“Ali Al-Hamadi was ruled out due to injury. As for the rest of the players, they are fully prepared technically and physically.”
The extent of Al-Hamadi’s injury has not been revealed and the Hillsborough faithful will be hoping it is not too serious.
He has not yet got off the mark in Wednesday colours but could prove to be a handful for third-tier defenders if he is able to reach full flow.
Ali Al-Hamadi’s fitness struggles
On a personal level, Al-Hamadi will be determined to avoid a prolonged spell out of action having struggled with injury during his loan spell at Luton Town last term.
After putting pen to paper in South Yorkshire, he said: “What people are getting is a really hungry Ali at this moment.
“I'm feeling the best I've felt physically and mentally for a long time. You can expect someone who gives their all and wears a heart on their sleeve.”
Iraq are due to face Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia over the course of the international break.