Derby County vs Sheffield Wed. - James Hanson back for Rams as Owls come to town

Posted Friday, April 22, 2016 by PA

Jamie Hanson should be back in the Derby squad for the visit of top-six rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Saturday lunchtime.

Hanson missed the midweek win at Bristol City with an Achilles injury but scans have shown the versatile 20-year-old academy product has sustained no serious issue and he is likely to be available again.

Bradley Johnson will sit out a fourth game with his knee problem but he is expected to be fit for the trip to Brighton on May 2.

Fellow central midfielder Jeff Hendrick is making good progress in his recovery from a thigh injury and he will be back for the play-offs, with Derby guaranteeing themselves a top-six spot with Tuesday night's 3-2 victory at Ashton Gate.

Sheffield Wednesday will be without suspended winger Ross Wallace, who starts a three-game ban after an off-the-ball incident with Jonny Williams in the goalless midweek draw against MK Dons.

Versatile midfielder/defender Jeremy Helan will be included in the squad and is expected to feature following his early return from a loan spell at Wolves to cover for the injured Joe Bennett (knee).

Midfielder Sam Hutchinson returned to training last week following glandular fever and could return to contention, while head coach Carlos Carvalhal has no new injury concerns.

The Owls, sixth in the table, could secure a play-off finish with victory should other results go their way.