Sheffield Wednesday's poor run of form has heaped the pressure on manager Garry Monk in recent weeks. 

The Owls are without a win in their last five games in the Championship, and they were beaten 3-0 by Reading at Hillsborough in their last game.

Wednesday once occupied a spot in the play-offs in the second-tier standings, but a dismal run of results has seen them drop to 12th in the league table.

There are still 13 games remaining of their season though, so there is time for Monk to turn things around, although he'll know that it has to happen sooner rather than later.

His side are nine points adrift of the play-off places, and will be hoping they can pick up a much-needed three points in their next match against Birmingham City this weekend.

Monk has been without some of his key players during this poor run of results, and he'll be hoping they can return to action as soon as possible.

We look at some of the key absentees from his squad, and get an update on how close they are to a return to action.

Morgan Fox

Fox has been a key member of the Sheffield Wednesday squad, but has been ruled out of action since their 2-1 defeat to Wigan Athletic.

He has been in impressive form this term as well, with the full-back having three goals and one assist to his name this season. He also picked up Sheffield Wednesday's Player of the Month award recently.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Birmingham City, Garry Monk revealed that Fox could be involved this weekend for the Owls.

"Fox has been back out on the pitches and hopefully we will see him this weekend. We still have another training tomorrow to assess things."

With young full-back Osaze Urhoghide suspended for the game against the Blues after being sent-off against Reading in their last game, it's the perfect opportunity for Fox to return to the starting XI.

Steven Fletcher

Garry Monk has revealed that Steven Fletcher has returned to training from a knee injury, that has kept him out of action since their defeat to Hull City on New Year's Day.

"Steven Fletcher has been back out on the pitch training all week. That has given everyone a lift with his attitude and leadership. There is a positive feeling about him, he’s not quite where we want him to be but yes, it’s is a big positive."

The Scotsman is the club's top goalscorer this season with 12 goals to his name, and he'll be hoping to pick up where he left off with the Owls.

It's no coincidence that Sheffield Wednesday's poor run of form has come since Fletcher has been sidelined through injury.

Wednesday have only scored one goal in their last four league games, so Garry Monk and the club's supporters will be keen to see him return to the first team in competitive action at the earliest of opportunities.

Sam Hutchinson and Keiren Westwood

Both players had reportedly been demoted to Sheffield Wednesday's Under-23s team after being frozen out by manager Garry Monk.

But the Owls boss has since issued an update on his team selection in a recent press-conference ahead of their game against Birmingham City this weekend.

"I don’t judge people on what they have done in the past, I judge things on the here and now. I need continuity, players to be available, it’s what you do in this moment that is important. I make decisions for the good of the team."

Westwood also recently took to social media to state that he hasn't fallen out with Monk this season. It still remains to be seen as to whether Westwood and Hutchinson have much of a future with Sheffield Wednesday, especially if they continue to miss out on a place in the matchday squad.

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