Sheffield Wednesday striker Steven Fletcher is still ‘highly doubtful’ for tomorrow’s trip to Stoke City, but Steve Bruce has revealed that he will give the forward as long as possible to prove his fitness.  

Bruce has made an unbeaten start to life at Hillsborough, with his side in fantastic form and putting together a run that’s propelled them into play-off contention.

Fletcher has been key to that, too, with the Scottish forward scoring five goals in his last six games to take his tally to 10 for the season.

However, Bruce could be without the 32-year-old tomorrow at the bet365 Stadium, with Fletcher struggling with a groin injury.

Earlier in the week, the Sheffield Star were reporting that Fletcher wouldn’t be part of the squad, but Bruce hasn’t completely ruled him out yet, stating that they will give him as long as possible to recover.

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“Fletcher is still highly doubtful, it’s Friday today and we’ll give him as long as possible,” he told Wednesday’s official media. 

Prior to last week’s international break, Wednesday had recorded back-to-back wins in the Championship, with Fletcher on the scoresheet in wins over Bolton and Blackburn.

Following this weekend’s meeting with Stoke, Bruce’s side take on Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Leeds, Norwich and Bristol City in an extremely difficult run of fixtures.

The Verdict  

Fletcher has been absolutely key to Bruce since he arrived at Hillsborough, so it is completely understandable that the manager will give him as long as possible to prove his fitness.

However, you’ve got to have one eye on the fixtures coming up, as if Wednesday are to have any chance of finishing in the top-six, they need to take points off some big teams.

Arguably, getting Fletcher right for that is more important.

Thoughts? Let us know!