Sheffield Wednesday will play their final official warm-up game this afternoon against Wigan Athletic at Hillsborough but two key players are likely to miss out.
Francis Jeffers long awaited return from injury has been continually put back throughout the pre-season schedule and it now seems as though he will go into the new season short of any real match practice, although Brian Laws has revealed he hopes to play the striker in a behind closed doors game in midweek.
Fortunately, the Owls have shown good attacking form in most of their warm-up games thus far with Akpo Sodje returning to fitness and Deon Burton, Marcus Tudgay and Leon Clarke all making positive contributions. As things stand all 4 could be in contention to play in the season opener against Burnley next weekend and so they will be eager to impress if given the opportunity today.
New midfield signing Jimmy Smith may also have to sit it out again this afternoon as he struggles to return in time for the start of the season. The youngster who is on loan from Chelsea picked up a knock in his first outing for the Owls in Holland and has not featured since.
Premier League Wigan will be looking to pick up where they left off in midweek in South Yorkshire. The Latics thrashed the Owls local rivals Barnsley by six goals to nil on Tuesday night.