Glenn Loovens has been unable to put a timescale on his current injury, with the Sheffield Wednesday captain unlikely to be returning this weekend, reports the Sheffield Telegraph.
The defender is currently struggling with a hip problem, and has admitted that it is unlikely he will be fit for Wednesday’s clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Loovens has missed Wednesday’s last four fixtures since picking up the injury against Queens Park Rangers in August, and the 33-year-old was unable to reveal when he would return to action, he said: “I don’t know when I will be back playing again.
“It’s an injury they can’t really predict and I have to see how my body reacts to training.
“I’ve missed three weeks now and not really had a pre-season.
“I need a bit of time to come back to full fitness.
“We have brought in a few extra defenders now so it gives me a bit more time to get myself right.”
Loovens’ absence had left Tom Lees as Carlos Carvalhal’s only recognised central defender, but the Owls moved to strengthen that department late in the summer transfer window.
Frederico Venancio has arrived at Hillsborough on a season-long loan, whilst Joost van Aken has also been brought in on a permanent contract from Heerenveen.
Both defenders will be in contention to start for Wednesday this weekend against Nottingham Forest, with one of the duo likely to play alongside Lees at centre-back.
Jacob Butterfield – another of Wednesday’s deadline day additions – could be in line for his debut against Forest on Saturday, after the midfielder arrived on a season-long loan from Derby County, a deal that saw Sam Winnall move in the opposite direction across the Championship.
The Verdict
Loovens’ absence is a blow for Wednesday, with the 33-year-old a vital part of Carvalhal’s squad at Hillsborough.
However, the Owls will be confident they can now manage without the Dutch defender for a couple of weeks, after some shrewd business late in the transfer window.
It remains to be seen who will partner Tom Lees in central defence this weekend, but Carvalhal has options for the first time this season.
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