Derby County vs Sheffield Wed. preview - entosa set for Rams return

Posted Friday, February 20, 2015 by PA

Raul Albentosa is in contention for a return to the Derby squad when Sheffield Wednesday visit the iPro Stadium.

A back problem has ruled Albentosa out of the last five matches but the Spanish central defender, signed from Eibar in January, has trained this week and could be involved on Saturday.

Rams head coach Steve McClaren has plenty of options should he wish to make any changes to his starting line-up against the Owls, with the likes of Ryan Shotton, Craig Bryson, Simon Dawkins and Jesse Lingard all ready to come into the team.

Leading scorer Chris Martin (knee ) and forward Johnny Russell (hamstring) will remain out but the pair could be back for the trip to Fulham next weekend.

Wednesday forward Chris Maguire will face his former club after completing a two-match ban.

Maguire could be joined in the Owls starting line-up by striker Will Keane, who left Hillsborough in a knee brace last Saturday but has trained this week and is fit to play.

Glenn Loovens will miss out once again with an ankle problem which is set to sideline him for six to eight weeks, while Jose Semedo faces a late fitness test on a toe injury.

Head coach Stuart Gray could hand Filipe Melo his first start as he tries to find a winning formula following a run of six Championship fixtures without victory.