Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt a blow after it was revealed goalkeeper Kieren Westwood will be out for the next six weeks.

The Owls keeper hasn’t played since the 3-1 defeat to Norwich back on December 9 and has been out with a groin complaint.

And, Jos Luhukay told Sheffield Star journalist Dom Howson that the experienced stopper will require surgery meaning he won’t be back until April.

That is bad news for the Owls as Westwood has proven himself to be one of the best keepers outside the Premier League with his performances in recent seasons.

However, it’s an area that Wednesday are reasonably well stocked in with young duo Joe Wildsmith and Cameron Dawson both highly thought of.

Wildsmith has been the man to replace Westwood since his injury and even though he has made the odd mistake he has done well on the whole.

For Westwood, it will be concerning that he is suffering such a long lay-off at his age. The 33-year old Ireland international will have missed around five months of the season if his recovery goes to plan.

The Verdict

This is bad news for both Westwood personally and the Owls. He is a very capable player at this level and will be frustrated at how long he has been out.

Additionally, supporters may wonder why it’s taken so long to conclude that surgery is needed given he has already been out for almost three months.

Either way, it’s about Westwood getting back fit and ready for the final part of the season, where he will hope to show Luhukay that he is still a quality keeper in the Championship.

Thoughts, Wednesday fans? Let us know in the comments below.