Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk has revealed that Tom Lees in unlikely to be fit for Saturday's clash with Fulham at Hillsborough.

The 28-year-old missed the Owls' 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town last weekend due to a hamstring injury (via The Star) with Dominic Iorfa being asked to cover at centre-back.

A mainstay in the heart of Wednesday's defence last season, Lees featured on 42 occasions in the Championship as the club secured a mid-table finish.

[freshpress-poll ]

Having recently developed a fruitful partnership with summer arrival Julian Borner, the former Leeds United man would have been hoping to return to the Owls' starting eleven at the weekend.

However, Monk confirmed that the chances of Lees making an appearance are slim.

As cited by The Star journalist Dom Howson on Twitter, the Owls boss said: "Tom Lees in unlikely to be fit for Fulham."

Despite this setback, Monk did confirm that Wednesday had not suffered any fresh injuries.

Is this the WORST Sheffield Wednesday starting XI from the last 10 years? Let us know what YOU think...

In Lees' absence, the Owls boss may stick with Iorfa or instead opt to play David Bates or Jordan Thorniley.

Whilst Iorfa is predominately a right-back, the aforementioned duo are more suited to central defence having both played there for the majority of their careers.

The Verdict

This is unquestionably a blow for the Owls as they would have been hoping to have Lees fit for Saturday's clash against Fulham.

Although Wednesday illustrated some real signs of promise in a defensive sense last weekend, keeping the Cottagers quiet may turn out to be a tough task for Monk's men.

With Fulham boasting an attacking trio of Ivan Cavaleiro, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Anthony Knockaert, the Owls will have to be on top-form if they are to secure a positive result at Hillsborough.