Speaking to the Sheffield Star, Carlos Carvalhal has admitted he is struggling to get Almen Abdi up to full fitness, with the Sheffield Wednesday man struggling to train.

Abdi has been at Hillsborough since the summer of 2016, but has made just 17 appearances for the Owls, as injury plagues his time in South Yorkshire.

A knee injury has been the 30-year-old’s problem during his time with Wednesday, something that is becoming a big concern for Carvalhal, with the player struggling to consistently train, he said: “He trains one day and then has to stop for two.

“He is not ready to play 90 minutes and he is still a player who is progressing.“

The midfielder has featured on just one occasion so far this season, when he managed almost 70 minutes of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie with Chesterfield last week.

Abdi missed out on the matchday 18 for Wednesday’s opening fixture of the season against Preston North End, but was then included against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, but failed to make an appearance off the bench.

Carvalhal’s side registered their first point of the season against QPR, when Sam Winnall’s goal earned Wednesday a 1-1 draw.

Wednesday now go in search of their first victory of the season on Wednesday evening, when they welcome Sunderland to Hillsborough.

Simon Grayson’s side have started the 2017/18 season well, picking up four-points from their opening two fixtures.

The Verdict

Abdi’s injury woes will be frustrating for Carvalhal, who will want to see more of the player who has the potential to excel in the Championship.

Carvalhal is keen to bring another midfielder to Hillsborough this summer, but if he can get Abdi up to full fitness, he might not have to, with the 30-year-old possessing qualities that his other options do not.

It remains to be seen whether Abdi is given a Championship opportunity by Carvalhal against Sunderland, but whatever combination in midfield Wednesday’s boss opts for, he will hope his side can pick up three-points.

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