Sheffield Wednesday v Charlton Athletic - Owls trio playing through the pain for cause
Midfielder Bannan was rested from last week’s 3-0 defeat to Reading although such was his team’s plight he ended up coming on at half-time anyway – but returned at Birmingham City and scored an important goal in the 3-3 draw.
Fletcher made his return from a knee injury as a second-half substitute, and afterwards manager Garry Monk admitted the striker and fellow substitute Morgan Fox had come back earlier than they ought to have to help the team.
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Hide AdAlthough Fletcher has warned it will be a while until he is up to full speed, all three are set to be involved again tonight.
Bannan has been carrying a groin strain for over a month, but has carried on with the help of an injection.
“To be honest, since the Leeds game I have had this problem and I couldn’t really get about,” he admitted.
“I maybe should have came out. I spoke with the gaffer frequently and it was one of them things where I can play.
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Hide Ad“It was getting through the pain and then it goes and then it would come on later on in the game. I have not been playing deeper (deliberately), it’s probably just the injury I have been carrying.
“Touch wood it felt brilliant (against Birmingham) and never hampered me at all. Hopefully I can have a strong end to the season and that can help the team.
“That injection could have saved me for the rest of the season. Hopefully it’s gone and I can kick on now.”
Top-scorer Fletcher had feared he might not play again this season after he was stretchered off during the FA Cup third-round win at Brighton and Hove Albion.
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Hide Ad“I didn’t think I’d be back this season,” the Scot admitted afterwards. “I was out for a while so I need to get a few more minutes before I start a game.”
Last six: Sheffield Wednesday LDDLLD; Charlton Athletic DWLWLW.
Referee: O Langford (West Midlands).
Last time: Sheffield Wednesday 3 Charlton Athletic 0, March 19, 2016, Championship.