Barry Bannan has claimed Sheffield Wednesday could have been in Wolves’ position if it wasn’t for the lengthy injury list that has plagued their season.
The 2015/16 and 2016/17 campaigns saw Sheffield Wednesday make the Sky Bet Championship’s play-offs, with the expectancy this year that the Owls would once again be challenging for a Premier League return.
However, with two fixtures of the season remaining, the Owls sit 15th.
Jos Luhukay’s side travel to Molineux on Saturday to face a Wolves side, who will be presented the Championship trophy, after storming to automatic promotion and the title in recent weeks.
Bannan has been one of many Sheffield Wednesday players to struggle with injury this season. Speaking to the Sheffield Star ahead of this weekend’s clash with Wolves, the 28-year-old pointed out that it could’ve been the Owls in Wolves’ position, had injuries not plagued their season:
“We are a big team, and if we could have kept everyone fit this season it might have been us partying.
"But it’s not, so fair play to Wolves. They have been brilliant all season and deserve it.”
Bannan has made 29 appearances across all competitions this season, but missed the end of December and all of January and February due to a hip problem.
The Scottish midfielder has featured in Wednesday’s last two Championship fixtures, helping the Owls to back-to-back victories over Hull City and Reading.
The Verdict
What Wolves have done in the Championship this season has been phenomenal, with the 100-point mark a realistic target.
Claiming it could’ve been Sheffield Wednesday in that position if it wasn’t for their injuries is a big claim, which will certainly divide supporters.
However, it’s hard not to admit that Wednesday would be a lot higher up the table had the likes of Bannan stayed fit all season.
Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves fans… Let us know your thoughts!