Sheffield Wed. vs Middlesbrough preview - Keeper set for Owls return

Posted Friday, February 27, 2015 by PA

Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood returns to contention for the visit of Middlesbrough following suspension.

Westwood was sent off in last week's defeat at Derby and missed the win at Millwall on Tuesday night, but is expected to return to the starting line-up.

Skipper Glenn Loovens remains doubtful due to the ankle injury that has kept him out of the last five matches and striker Sergiu Bus will be sidelined for up to six weeks after sustaining a groin injury in the warm-up at Derby last Saturday.

Midfielder Jose Semedo returned to the side at Millwall after a foot/toe infection and is expected to retain his place.

Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka has no fresh selection problems.

The Teessiders emerged from Tuesday night's 1-0 victory over Bolton - and a performance later described by the Spaniard as one of the worst of his tenure - unscathed and having cemented themselves in second place in the table.

Indeed, there was a significant positive for Karanka as midfielder Muzzy Carayol returned to the bench as an unused substitute after 11 months on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury, and he will be in contention once again at Hillsborough.

Only central defender Daniel Ayala remains on the short-term casualty list as he continues his recovery from a thigh problem. Utility-man Rhys Williams, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a second serious Achilles injury, is the only long-term absentee.