Sheffield Wednesday forward Lucas Joao is an injury doubt for the forthcoming Steel City derby clash with Sheffield United next Monday, according to reports from the Sheffield Star.

The 25-year-old has been in impressive form for the Owls this season, and is currently Wednesday's leading goalscorer having netted nine times in 27 appearances this term.

The Portuguese forward was absent from the squad that played Brentford in midweek due to a knee injury, as Steve Bruce's men picked up another three points thanks to a quickfire brace from Joao's strike partner Steven Fletcher.

And ahead of the clash with their bitter rivals, it looks as if Joao could be set to miss out again, with Bruce revealing to the Sheffield Star that the Portuguese striker is doubtful for Monday night's encounter.

"Lucas could not train on Monday - he has not been comfortable with it (his knee)."

"He is touch and go for Monday - we are hoping for the best."

Bruce remains unbeaten during his short tenure of the Owls - the Yorkshire club are up to 12th in the Sky Bet Championship table after two successive league wins, and they currently sit six points off the play-off spots.

The Verdict

This is a big blow for Wednesday, who just keep on improving under Steve Bruce's management.

Joao has been superb for Wednesday this season - he offers some power and strength to the Wednesday attacking line, and has scored plenty of goals to go with that physical prowess.

Thankfully for the Owls, Steven Fletcher has found his goalscoring boots recently, and he would be the perfect replacement for Joao should the latter be unavailable for Monday night.