Sheffield Wednesday have a mini injury crisis on their hands right now.
Sheffield Wednesday face South Yorkshire rivals Rotherham United in the Championship tomorrow.
It’s another proverbial cup final for the Owls who remain in 23rd place of the table, now three points from safety after a run of three wins in four.
But tomorrow’s game sees Danny Rohl without a number of players in his defensive department; Di’Shon Bernard is suspended, Akin Famewo is back in training but potentially not available, Kristian Pedersen is still injured, and now Michael Ihiekwe is facing a late fitness check.
Centre-backs thin on the ground for Danny Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday
For the last two games now, Sheffield Wednesday have played with a back-five, with three centre-backs on the pitch.
And they’ve looked good, so Rohl may be hesitant to change shape.
But with Bernard unavailable tomorrow and Ihiekwe potentially missing out as well, it leaves Rohl with only two fit centre-backs; the versatile Liam Palmer, and the divisive Bambo Diaby.
Fans would be reluctant to see Bambo Diaby return to the side following a mixed season for Sheffield Wednesday, but Rohl may be forced to put him in the XI if he wants to maintain the current shape.
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Though that still leaves a spot open in the middle of defence.
Will Vaulks could solve Owls’ defensive issues against Rotherham United
Rohl may already have the perfect man to slot into the final centre-back spot this weekend; former Rotherham man Will Vaulks.
The Welshman was earning plaudits through December for some strong performances, with a ‘crunching’ display vs Blackburn Rovers standing out in particular.
He’s since been hit and miss, but has been playing alongside Barry Bannan in the midfield for the past few weeks.
Though with Momo Diaby set to return this weekend, it allows Rohl to potentially push Vaulks back into the middle of the defence.
Vaulks has shown in the past that he’s a player who can put in tackles close to the penalty area, whilst his midfield traits could make him ideal for playing out from the back and starting attacking plays.
What’s more is that; with Bambo Diaby potentially returning to the XI, he could do the bulk of the aerial battling, leaving Vaulks to pick up loose balls and chase down opponents like he does in the midfield anyway.
It would certainly be a makeshift defensive line up and it would be a difficult task for Vaulks, in what will surely be a cagey and scrappy game at times tomorrow.
But needs must for Sheffield Wednesday who are a bit injury-stricken for this game.