Carlos Carvalhal has confirmed that Sam Hutchinson and Almen Abdi are in contention for tonight’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Birmingham City, reports Sheffield Wednesday’s official website.
Wednesday head to St Andrew’s this evening for a clash with Birmingham, and Carvalhal is able to call on Hutchinson and Abdi for the first time in a number of weeks following their respective knee injuries.
The duo have returned to training this week along with Glenn Loovens, who has been absent with a hip injury.
Carvalhal confirmed that Hutchinson and Abdi were in contention, but revealed that Loovens would not be available despite his recent progress, he said: “We are progressing Sam Hutchinson, Almen Abdi and Glenn Loovens. They are in full training.
“But Sam and Almen are more near, let’s see with them for the game (against Birmingham).”
Wednesday head into tonight’s fixture looking to return to winning ways, having not recorded a victory in their last two Championship outings.
A draw with Cardiff City was backed up by a disappointing performance in Sunday’s Steel City derby, which saw the Owls suffer a 4-2 defeat to their bitter rivals at Hillsborough.
Wednesday enter tonight's contest in 13th, having picked up 13 points from their opening nine fixtures of the season.
Victory tonight would see Carvalhal’s side move back within touching distance of the Championship’s play-offs.
The Verdict
The return of Hutchinson, Abdi and Loovens to training this week will have lifted the spirit of Carvalhal’s squad, which will have surely taken a hit following a disappointing Steel City derby.
Having Hutchinson and Abdi available for tonight is another positive for Carvalhal, although Wednesday will be itching to get Loovens back in contention, with the club captain a vital member of the dressing room.
Following tonight’s clash, Wednesday face Leeds United at Hillsborough, a fixture Carvalhal will be hoping to have Loovens available for.
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