Sheffield Wednesday midfielder suffers injury setback

Jos Luhukay has confirmed Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Kieran Lee has suffered a setback in his bid to return from a long-term injury.
Kieran LeeKieran Lee
Kieran Lee

The 30-year-old has not played - due to a hip injury - since defeat at Norwich City in December last year.

He had spent eight months on the sidelines, but his long-awaited return for the club’s Under-23s lasted just 15 minutes.

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“Kieran played for the first time last Monday for our Under-23s and played only 15 minutes before he felt something at the back of his knee,” said Owls manager Luhukay.

“He's had a scan. We must have patience. He will not be available to us in the next weeks.

“He was coming closer to the team and was going in a good direction. He's a positive person with a very good character.

“He is now very disappointed and this is normal. It had taken him a lot of time to come back to where he was last week.

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“He has been out now for almost a year. The medical team are supporting him every day. Everyone at the club will try to help him so he can come back again.”

Striker Gary Hooper - another long-term absentee - featured in the same Under-23 game, and is due for another run-out next week.

Luhukay said: “It takes time. Gary was out for eight months and then played for 45 minutes for the Under-23s last Monday.

“Next Monday he will play for them for 65/70 minutes. The time when he can play 90 minutes for the first team is a little bit in the future. We have to have patience.”

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Luhukay also gave updates on Wednesday’s other injured players, ahead of Saturday's visit of Stoke City in the Championship.

Striker Sam Winnall has a calf issue, as he battles back from a serious knee injury, and has spent the last fortnight out of first-team training.

While midfielder Sam Hutchinson is due to return to training next week, after treatment in Spain on a groin issue.