SHEFFIELD Wednesday chief Henrik Pedersen has dampened down expectations that Nathan Redmond could feature from the start of Saturday's Championship home game with Preston North End.

The 31-year-old has joined the Owls, initially on a short-term deal until January. If all goes well, that could potentially be extended.

Ex-Norwich City, Southampton and Birmingham City player Redmond, whose most recent club was Burnley, last featured in a competitive game back in April – one of only three appearances in 2025 so far.

Pedersen, who scotched any talk of further signings being currently allowed by the EFL following the recent addition of former Leeds United captain Liam Cooper, said: "Nath has trained with us now for two weeks and he has done it really, really well.

"We have searched for a centre-back and now an offensive player and I hope he can add something to our offensive qualities.

"I don't think he's at this level right now (to start) but maybe he can play 20 or 30 minutes and then grow.

"We have spoken with him from the beginning - that we will make it short-term so we could see his body is. He could also get a feeling for us and then hopefully we can extend when we are coming so far.

"He's a fantastic guy, a strong personality and then he's fantastic for the boys. He helps everywhere where he can and coaches the boys on the pitch. I think from the leader perspective, he'll be a big add-on to the team."

Sheffield Wednesday's Ike Ugbo battles with Sheffield United's Ben Mee on derby day. Picture: Steve Ellis.

On the prospect of further free agent additions, he continued: "Right now, (there's) nothing at all (opportunity)."

Pedersen will assess several players ahead of Saturday's game and has also provided updates on Pierce Charles (shoulder) and Di'Shon Bernard (knee).

Pedersen, whose side have yet to win at home in the league this term, added: "Pierce will have his first (under-21s) game next week and then let's see how it's going and then hopefully he'll also soon be back again.

"Bernard is still a way off. He's he had a little operation and now I think we're speaking about February or March."

Ike Ugbo, criticised in some quarters for his performance in last Sunday's Steel City derby, is back in contention after missing the midweek loss at Millwall.

Pedersen said: "It was very, very difficult for him and we have spoken after the game here and then we also spoke when he said that his wife went to the hospital to give birth.

"Then, I have given him a little bit space and then we have been in contact over the phone, so if everything is okay - and then today he was in the training ground again. So he'll be ready again for (training) tomorrow."