Danny Rohl has provided an injury update after Michael Ihiekwe missed out on Sheffield Wednesday’s win over West Brom.
Michael Ihiekwe‘s time at Sheffield Wednesday looked to be coming to an end earlier in the season, managing only four appearances in the first four months.
Danny Rohl eventually trusted the centre-back with a regular place in the starting line-up and he has now repaid the favour with his ‘fantastic’ form.
Ihiekwe has now started 16 of the 20 games in the Championship since the start of the year, becoming a vital member of the Owls’ fight for survival.
After picking up two goal contributions in Wednesday’s previous two games, fans were left concerned when he lasted only 15 minutes of the win over Blackburn Rovers.
It was unclear whether he would be available to face West Brom, but his absence was confirmed when Rohl named Liam Palmer, Dominic Iorfa and Di’Shon Bernard in the back three.
Michael Ihiekwe was not 100%
With very little known about Ihiekwe’s injury, Rohl provided an update on his situation after the game.
Speaking toThe Star, he said: “He felt something in the game at Blackburn.
“Then he didn’t train in the beginning of the week. Yesterday (Friday) we tried it but he spoke honestly and we decided that it makes no sense because we need people who are 100%. It was the same with Barry, with the experienced players they want to play but they will take the responsibility and say if they’re not 100%. That’s a huge step forward in this team because we can trust each other more and more. This is good to see.”
The Star also reported that it remains to be seen whether the 31-year-old will be fit to face Sunderland this weekend.
Sheffield Wednesday’s defence is now very reliable
Ihiekwe will be a huge loss if he misses out on the final game and he will be personally gutted, however Wednesday have proven that they can manage without him.
They kept a clean sheet against a team battling for play-offs last time out, while both Iorfa and Bernard were heavily praised for their defensive displays.
Rohl has transformed the Owls’ backline and all of their defenders now seem to be extremely reliable, meaning if someone picks up an injury, there aren’t too many concerns.
Whoever plays at the weekend will be brimming with confidence, especially given that the Black Cats have only scored one goal in their last five matches.
The post 'We tried it': Rohl provides Michael Ihiekwe update after he missed out on Sheffield Wednesday's win over WBA appeared first on Sheffield Wednesday News.