Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen issues Pierce Charles, Svante Ingelsson and Jarvis Thornton updates
Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen issues updates on Pierce Charles, Svante Ingelsson and Jarvis Thornton ahead of Oxford United clash
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has been given a double fitness boost ahead of his side’s trip to Oxford United - and made his stance on in-demand Svante Ingelsson clear.
Pierce Charles has endured an injury-plagued season between the sticks and was absent for the midweek defeat to Middlesbrough.
However, the coveted Northern Ireland international has returned to training and is in line to feature against Oxford tomorrow (April 25). He will be joined in the squad by fellow youngster Jarvis Thornton, who has battled back from a dead leg issue.
Influential midfielder Ingelsson is still on the comeback trail and while he has been working his way back to fitness, transfer speculation has been circulating.
Svante Ingelsson stance made clear
Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End have all been linked with the 27-year-old, who is viewed as a crucial figure at Hillsborough.
Pedersen said: “He has to play for Sheffield Wednesday next season. He has to be a Sheffield Wednesday player in the future. We have to do all we can to keep him. I know he loves to be here and we’ll be a good place for him in the future. We will do everything to keep him.
“Of course I have [spoken to him about his future]. He knows how important he is for me, for us, for the club, and he also knows we will do what we can to keep him.”
Regarding the combative midfielder’s knee problem, Pedersen said: “He has his own programme right now. He trains as much as possible, but controlled. He will meet a specialist on Tuesday and then they will decide what they are doing.”
Sheffield Wednesday squad feeling the strain
Wednesday’s stretched squad is feeling the effects of a gruelling season and there could be some fatigue-related absences, Pedersen has conceded.
He said: “There are a few doubts. There will be some big decisions today and tomorrow. We are at the end of the season, so let’s see. Fatigue is a good word. There are some on the limit and we wait for some answers.”
Looking ahead to Oxford United trip
The Owls have already had their relegation to League One confirmed but Oxford’s fate has not yet been sealed.
Although the stakes are higher for the U’s, Pedersen has stressed the penultimate game of his side’s season is an important one.
He said: “It’s also big for us. We want to go to Oxford and win this game. I know it’s a big game for the result for them, and Oxford are very well-organised. They have a very well-organised defensive organisation.
“They have some good transitions and they are very, very strong in what we call second-ball football and set-pieces. It’s going to be a tough game but we’re looking forward and we want to not only play a good game as in Middlesbrough, we also want to have something [to take] away from the game.”