Sheffield Wednesday will be without Barry Bannan in the lead up to Christmas, with the midfielder set to serve a two-match suspension following his 10^th caution of the season.

Bannan has been walking a tightrope with his discipline throughout the season so far and earlier served a suspension following his fifth yellow card.

Now, following his caution in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Rotherham United, Bannan’s ban has been confirmed by Sheffield Wednesday’s official website.

The 29-year-old will miss Saturday’s trip to Swansea City, alongside the clash with Preston North End on December 22. Jos Luhukay will be able to welcome the midfielder back for the Boxing Day fixture with Middlesbrough.

So far this season Bannan has been a bright spark in a frustrating start to the season.

He’s featured in 20 of the 20 fixtures he’s been available for, scoring three goals and registering two assists for the struggling Owls.

Saturday’s draw with Rotherham proved to be another frustrating result for the Owls, with the pressure continuing to grow on Luhukay in South Yorkshire, as his side hover dangerously above a relegation battle.

The Verdict

This is an obvious blow for the Owls heading into a crucial period of the season.

Maybe with the exception of Adam Reach, Bannan has been Wednesday’s best player this season, with the midfielder having a real impact in a struggling side.

The points Wednesday pick up in the coming weeks are going to be crucial to where they finish this season, so doing it without Bannan is going to be a test.

Thoughts? Let us know!