Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk has suggested that Steven Fletcher is recovering well from knee injury and could be set for a return to first team involvement by the beginning of March.

Fletcher has been out of action for the Owls since he suffered a knee injury against in their win against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup third round back in January, and the striker’s presence has been missed on the field for the Owls over the last few weeks which have seen Monk’s side fail to win any of their last three league games.

The 32-year-old has already registered 12 goals in the Championship in 22 appearances so far this campaign, and Wednesday will be needing the striker to return to action towards the end of the season to help them mount a push for the play-offs.

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Speaking in his press conference (as quoted by Dom Howson) ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Barnsley on Saturday, Monk suggested that Fletcher is managing his recovery well and making good progress as he looks to make a return to the side by March, saying: “He is doing very well with his rehab.”

The verdict

This is very encouraging news for Sheffield Wednesday, who will be needing Fletcher to return to action as soon as possible if they are to get their push for the play-offs back on track during the rest of the campaign, following their recent dip in form.

The 32-year-old was enjoying an excellent season up until he suffered his knee injury, and the striker was a crucial part of the Owls side during the first half of the campaign, with his goals key in helping Wednesday to challenge for the top six places at the start of the season.

The Owls have managed to cope somewhat with the loss of Fletcher during the striker’s absence, and they have managed to bring in Connor Wickham in the January transfer window, who could help to lead the line for them during the next few months while Fletcher continues his recovery.

Fletcher’s return to involvement during the latter stages of the season could prove to be key in whether they will be able to make a late bid to reach the play-off places, and the Owls will be hoping he can return to action with the sort of form he showed during the opening half of the campaign.