Kieran Lee is out for the season and Gary Hooper is taking the next step in his recovery, according to Jos Luhukay.

Injuries have played a major part in Sheffield Wednesday's season so far, and the earliest they will be back at full strength is next season.

The absence of key players has contributed heavily to their current league position of 17th with the players on the periphery being unable to step up.

Luhukay provided this injury update in his pre-match press conference on two players who have been out for a while:

The Verdict

Lee's absence is a blow for the team due to the control and composure he brings to midfield when he is in the first-team, but the recent return of Barry Bannan and Sam Hutchinson ensures that they first-teamers available in that area.

Hooper could still potentially return by the end of the season, but this update makes it less likely. When fit, he is Wednesday's best striker and his partnership with Fernando Forestieri is key.

These kind of negative updates aren't anything new for Wednesday fans this season and they help contribute to the look forward to next season as this season comes to an uneventful end.