Sheffield Wednesday forward Steven Fletcher has been ruled out of the Owls' upcoming away trip to Stoke City, reports from the Sheffield Star confirm.

The Scotland international has found his goalscoring touch since the arrival of Steve Bruce in Hillsborough, netting five goals in his last six league games and taking his tally up to 10 goals for the campaign.

Wednesday have endured a remarkable turnaround under former Aston Villa boss Bruce, and will be eager to keep on climbing up the Sky Bet Championship table with a win over the Potters.

But they will have to do so without their current top-scorer, with the 32-year old failing to recover from a groin problem he sustained in the Owls' 4-2 home win over Blackburn Rovers last time out, ultimately keeping him out of action for the Scotland national side in midweek.

Speaking to the Sheffield Star, Bruce said: "I don't think Fletch will make it. It is a blow to us as Fletch has been playing very well. But that is football and we have to get on with it.

"Let's hope someone else can step up to the mark."

Wednesday are still unbeaten under Bruce, with the Yorkshire club climbing to 10th place in the league table, three points off the top six.

The Verdict

This is a major blow for Wednesday, and it has come at such an unlucky stage of the season for the Owls.

Fletcher has been on fire for Wednesday of late, and offers much more than just goals up front for Bruce's men, bringing others into play with his strong, physical prowess and aerial threat.

It is essential that they keep on building momentum towards the latter stages of the season, however Fletcher's absence really hampers their chances of picking up all three points at the bet365 Stadium.