Journalist drops big Sheffield Wednesday player update - it's not good news | OneFootball

Pierce Charles was substituted in the second half of Sheffield Wednesday's FA Cup loss to Brentford

Sheffield Wednesday have suffered a major blow regarding Pierce Charles’ fitness and availability, amid speculation over his future at Hillsborough.

According to BBC Sheffield journalist Andy Giddings, the goalkeeper could be set for at least a couple of months on the sidelines following a fresh injury concern.

The 20-year-old missed the majority of the start of the Championship campaign through injury after a shoulder issue suffered in August.

He made his return in December, starting in a 1-1 draw against Watford and he has made a total of nine appearances in the league this season.

However, the youngster is now set for a lengthy spell out of the team after enduring another problem with his shoulder - the opposite one though to the one that he had issues with earlier in the campaign.

Fresh Pierce Charles injury concern rocks Sheffield Wednesday

It has been claimed by the aforementioned Giddings that Charles could be out of action for a couple of months following another shoulder issue, which is the last thing that Wednesday need.

The 20-year-old only lasted 59 minutes of the team’s FA Cup third round defeat to Brentford last weekend and looked in visible pain when exiting the pitch.

The understanding is that the early indications are that it could be a long-term injury for the shot-stopper, who has endured a difficult stop-start campaign.

This means it could be March before he is back in Henrik Pedersen’s side, with the club all but confirmed to be relegated to League One thanks to their multiple points deductions.

Charles has been linked with a move away from Hillsborough this month, with the winter market open until February 2

It was reported earlier in January that French side Strasbourg had submitted an offer for the goalkeeper. However, this injury setback is likely to end any immediate speculation over his future.

Wednesday will now likely go to the EFL to ask for special dispensation to sign a loanee goalkeeper, having previously had Cardiff City's Ethan Horvath for the first half of the season when Charles' first injury happened.

Injuries have plagued disastrous Sheffield Wednesday season - Pierce Charles setback sums it all up

Sheffield Wednesday went into the campaign with a thin squad, with the club unable to bring in many fresh faces after an exodus of top stars in the summer.

Injuries have made matters even worse through the campaign, and this latest blow is a real setback for Pedersen, given Charles is arguably the club's best player asides from Barry Bannan.

Supporters will now just be hoping the season ends as soon as possible, as it is one battle after another at Hillsborough at the moment.

This injury issue is also a major concern for Charles, as it is a big blow to his development because missing out on two more months of regular game-time at this age is a real curse - and when goalkeepers start to have issues with their shoulders, there is always a fear it could become a regular problem, given the nature of their job.