Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Carlos Carvalhal has indicated that he is ready to welcome Fernando Forestieri back into his Sheffield Wednesday squad, following his latest omission.
Forestieri, 27, has missed out on selection in Wednesday’s last two Sky Bet Championship fixtures, after a training ground bust-up with Sam Winnall saw Carvalhal exclude the fiery Italian.
It is the second time in a year that Carvalhal has had to leave Forestieri out, following his refusal to play for the Owls 12-months ago amid transfer speculation.
However, Wednesday are set to welcome the playmaker back into the squad, after he apologised to his teammates following his latest controversy.
Carvalhal said: “He is paying for a mistake, he will soon be back in the 18.
“When we understand the time is to come back, when he is working well and working hard, we will bring him back.
“He has apologised, he apologised to his team-mates, it is not a problem. Fernando will be back soon, we have to manage the situation.”
Forestieri’s only appearance so far this season came in the opening day defeat to Preston North End.
Two fixtures on from that and Wednesday are still in search of their first victory, with Carvalhal’s side having just two-points from their opening three fixtures of the 2017/18 campaign.
Wednesday have twice failed to pick up a victory at Hillsborough, drawing 1-1 with Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland, on Saturday and Wednesday respectively.
Wednesday’s attention will now turn to the remainder of August, which sees Carvalhal’s side face three away fixtures in the space of a week.
Carvalhal’s side travel to Fulham and Burton Albion in the Championship, and also visit Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
The Verdict
Whilst Carvalhal is right to punish Forestieri, he will be pleased that he is welcoming the Italian back into the Wednesday side, as they are struggling in the Championship so far.
Carvalhal will hope Forestieri can rediscover his best form and make the difference for the Owls, who look to be lacking a real creative spark.
Forestieri should be able to provide that, and Carvalhal will be targeting at least three-points from the remainder of August, as he looks to get his side up and running.
Sheffield Wednesday fans… Let us know your thoughts!