Sheffield Wednesday manager Tony Pulis suggested that he could look into the free-agent market to strengthen his squad ahead of the hectic festive period with forwards the priority.

The Owls suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Preston North End in Pulis’ first game in charge of the club. Following the defeat, the new Sheffield Wednesday manager confirmed that Jack Marriott has returned to Derby County for treatment on a calf injury which will rule him out over the next six or seven weeks.

That leaves Sheffield Wednesday lacking in forward options and the Owls have already been struggling to score goals in the final third this campaign.

That is something which Pulis can only address now by bringing in free-agents over the next few weeks, or he will have to wait until the winter window opens.

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Speaking to Yorkshire Live following their defeat at Preston, Pulis suggested that he will look potentially bring in one or two players if possible in the next few weeks. While he also emphasised the need to improve their options in the attacking positions.

He said: "That’s one of the areas we definitely do need. I think the supporters will understand that we have not got the balance right that we need there.

“We will see and look at what comes up. I will be as patient as I possibly can. We will try and get as many points as we can. If we get the opportunity to bring in one or two players, that will be absolutely fantastic for the football club."

The Verdict

Sheffield Wednesday are desperate for more attacking reinforcements, with their options appearing even more limited now than they were a few weeks ago following both Marriott’s injury and Pulis moving Callum Paterson back into more of a midfield role.

There are not often too many good options available in the free agents market at this stage of the campaign, but Pulis does have enough experience to seek out one or two potential players who could be able to come in and offer something for the Owls in the next few weeks.

It would be a major risk to think that they could get through the festive period without adding in the forward area, and they could leave it too late if they wait until the January window opens to strengthen their squad if they continue to struggle to pick up points. That means the next few weeks will be crucial and they should add to the squad if the options are there to do so.