The 7 players set to miss Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United ft Chiedozie Ogbene | OneFootball

We look at the latest team news as Sheffield Wednesday host Sheffield United in the Steel City derby this weekend.

The Sheffield derby takes place on Sunday in what promises to be a tense, fierce clash between the two rivals at Hillsborough.

It’s fair to say both Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United have endured miserable campaigns so far, with the Owls bottom of the league and facing an inevitable relegation after they entered administration.

Meanwhile, the Blades have already sacked Ruben Selles, with Chris Wilder returning to the dugout, but, despite his pedigree, he has struggled to make an instant impact, and Sheffield United are in the relegation zone and three points from safety.

Sheffield Wednesday team news ahead of Sheffield United clash

Even though it would take a miracle to keep Wednesday in the league, the removal of Dejphon Chansiri has transformed the mood at Hillsborough, and a packed crowd will be cheering on the hosts this weekend as they look to inflict more pain on their bitter rivals.

It’s well-documented that Henrik Pedersen is working with a limited squad, but the Owls have no fresh injury worries ahead of the game.

That’s not to say they don’t have issues, as Pierce Charles, Di’Shon Bernard, Ernie Weaver, Nathaniel Chalobah, George Brown and Olaf Kobacki have all been long-term absentees.

Pedersen has been coy on when they will return, with the influential Bernard due back at some point in the coming weeks, but it seems unlikely he will be involved. It’s a similar story with Kobacki and Chalobah, who are closest to returning, although their lack of game time means it would be a shock if they were thrown straight into the Steel City derby.

Wednesday didn’t suffer any fresh problems in the defeat to Southampton prior to the break, but it’s likely to be a similar XI against Wilder’s side.

Sheffield United’s injury issues ease ahead of Steel City derby

The international break came at the right time for Sheffield United, as not only did it give Wilder a chance to work with the majority of the group on a daily basis, but they were also missing some key players who could now return.

Most notably, Gustavo Hamer is likely to return, having previously suffered a knee injury that has kept him out since the start of October.

It has also been reported that Ben Mee should be available after he was forced off against QPR prior to the break, whilst Ollie Arblaster is close to returning, but, given the nature of his injury, it would be a surprise if he played any part against the Owls.

However, it wasn’t all good news for Sheffield United, as they are almost certainly going to have to do without Chiedozie Ogbene for the derby.

The Irish winger went off with a hamstring injury during their heroic comeback 3-2 World Cup qualifying win at Hungary on Sunday, and even though the Blades are waiting to discover the full extent of the issue, it seems apparent he won’t be involved for the big game on Sunday.

Finally, Tahith Chong is also nearing full fitness after missing the past six weeks with a knee problem, so he could boost Wilder’s options from the bench.