With the Steel City derby now just hours away, Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay has handed his side a major boost with the news that forwards, Marco Matias and Fernando Forestieri, are back in contention.

The attacking pair have both missed a large chunk of the season but return just in time to be in the running to start in the Steel City derby, according to the Owls boss.

Forestieri has been missing since early October.

The Italian has not been on his best form this season but has still managed to score three times in the nine appearances he has made.

Matias, on the other hand, has not played since the 2-1 win against Aston Villa at Villa Park, a game in which he scored.

It is undoubtedly a big boost to a Wednesday side who are looking to avoid a fifth straight defeat in the league.

Although it is not known if the pair are fully fit, they simply must be risked, and here is why...

In a big game like this, Luhukay needs all of his best players on the field right from the start.

They have both scored goals in big games already this season and that is something that simply must be utilised on Friday night.

The attack looks very turgid without their presence.

Steven Fletcher and Lucas Joao have both performed well this season, but both of them lack the directness and attacking imputes that Forestieri and Matias possess.

The Owls need to get at Chris Wilder's side right from the start tomorrow and the best way to do that is with an energetic duo in place.

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