Will return of key Owls players help Challinor?

New manager Challinor faces a squad ravaged by injuries but positioned just two points off the top six; returns of Barry, James and Cooper could transform Wednesday's promotion chances.

Dave Challinor's arrival as Sheffield Wednesday manager comes at a time when the club is dealing with a significant injury crisis. Key players including Reece James, Ali Al-Hamadi, Billy Mitchell, Di'Shon Bernard, Joe Lumley, Liam Cooper and Louie Barry are all sidelined or recently unavailable.

Despite these absences, Wednesday sit two points off the top six and six points from the top two with a game in hand, suggesting considerable untapped potential. The return of playmaker Louie Barry is viewed as particularly crucial, with his form before injury suggesting he could be the club's standout performer this season. Pairing Barry with Davis Keillor-Dunn in attack could provide the goal-scoring threat Wednesday need.

Challinor, a multiple promotion winner, takes over a club where results are expected. The fixture schedule offers him breathing room, with the Plymouth game likely postponed due to international call-ups, potentially delaying his first league match until 20 November against Barnsley. This gives him time to assess the squad in two cup competitions before league action resumes. The club has also hired medical consultants to address the injury issues that have plagued the squad.