Sheffield Wednesday have had to start the season without Sam Winnall who has been a long-term absentee at Hillsborough.

The striker picked up a serious knee injury last season whilst on loan with Derby County, which has left him cutting a frustrated figure on the sidelines since early 2018.

However, Jos Luhukay has been licking his lips in recent weeks as Winnall, 27, edges his way back to full fitness.

The ex-Barnsley marksmen has been featuring for the Owls’ under-23s, with it looking likely that he would be able to push for a first-team return in the coming weeks and months.

However, today, Luhukay has provided an update on Winnall, with the Dutchman telling the Owls’ official media that the striker now has a hamstring problem.

With Winnall suffering another setback, it could benefit a number of Luhukay’s other squad members.

Here at FLW, we identify TWO who could benefit…

Joao is so inconsistent, which is really frustrating.

On his day, he’s excellent, but that day doesn’t come often enough.

Winnall would be challenging somebody like Joao for an opportunity in the starting XI, but his setback means it’s likely that Joao will get a few more chances to impress.

He needs to take them.

Nuhiu is challenging Joao and Steven Fletcher for a starting berth in attack, so Winnall’s injury could benefit him.

The powerful forward finds himself behind his teammates in the pecking order, so this injury to Winnall is a chance for him to cement his place as a regular, just as he did last season.

[ad_pod ]