Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore has revealed that Sam Hutchinson was withdrawn from the field in the 2-1 win at Wigan Athletic after tightening up and looking low on energy.
The Owls produced a much-improved performance from their recent ones to take all three points and end Wigan’s five game-winning run that had taken them to the top of the League One table.
Moore opted to switch to a 4-4-2 formation and that proved to get the most of the players that he selected. It also allowed Sheffield Wednesday to cause real problems for Wigan’s defence with both Lee Gregory and Callum Paterson combining well upfront.
Hutchinson’s versatility was fully on show against Wigan with him starting the game in the middle of the park alongisde Lewis Wing.
The 32-year-old was able to deliver a combative performance in that position and made one tackle, one interception and one clearance as well as winning four duels.
However, after 75 minutes, Hutchinson was brought off the field with him looking like he had tired somewhat. The decision was therefore taken to introduce some fresh legs to help the Owls see out the game.
Speaking to Yorkshire Live following the win at Wigan, Moore revealed that Hutchinson had tightened up and looked to have been spent energy-wise and that is why he was withdrawn.
While he also added that Sheffield Wednesday are hopeful he can be ready for the weekend.
He said: “He was just tightening up. It looked like he was spent in terms of what he gave tonight.
“We didn’t have much turnaround time and we’ll see how it is. We’re hopeful for Saturday.”
The verdict
This is more positive news than it might have been regarding Hutchinson’s condition following his influential performance in the Owls’ win at Wigan.
Given the 32-year-old’s previous track record with injury issues, it is never comfortable for Sheffield Wednesday supporters to see him leave the field before the end of a match.
However, it seems that he had just given so much to the team in the middle of the park in a midfield two that he had lost energy by the time he came off the pitch.
That is understandable considering that he is now more used to being used at the heart of the defence where he does not have to do as much running.
Hopefully, Hutchinson can be back fit and ready for the Owls on Saturday against Oxford United because the Owls will be needing his experience and combative qualities against a side that have just won on Tuesday as Sheffield Wednesday did.