Sheffield Wed. vs Reading - Fernando Forestieri set to miss out as Owls also struggle in defence

Posted Thursday, March 16, 2017 by PA

Sheffield Wednesday could be without Fernando Forestieri and three central defenders for Friday's Sky Bet Championship game at home to Reading.

Striker Forestieri missed last week's defeat at Aston Villa due to a knee problem and could be sidelined for several weeks.

Vincent Sasso starts a three-game ban following his dismissal against Villa, Glenn Loovens will be assessed after being forced off with a knock and another centre-half, Tom Lees (knee), is battling to be fit after being sidelined for nine games.

Sam Hutchinson, Almen Abdi (both knee), Kieran Lee (hip) and Callum McManaman (groin) are out, but striker Gary Hooper (hamstring) could return.

Reading hope to have both Liam Moore and Paul McShane available for the clash.

McShane came off with a knock against Preston last weekend but is expected to be passed fit while Moore is close to recovering from a hamstring strain.

Stephen Quinn played for the Under-23s against Tottenham on Monday but is still regaining match fitness following a knee injury while Liam Kelly and Jordon Mutch are both doubts with hamstring problems.

Manager Jaap Stam still has a lengthy list of long-term absentees which includes Deniss Rakels (ankle), Tiago Ilori (knee), Callum Harriott (hamstring) and Danzell Gravenberch (ankle).