Sheffield Wednesday: Owls receive Steven Fletcher boost

It was feared the forward would miss the start of the new Championship season due to a knee problem which has sidelined him December.

But it has emerged Fletcher, who has recently attracted the interest of Greek giants Panathinaikos, took part in a double training session on Tuesday as he steps up his recovery from injury.

Fletcher’s strike partner Gary Hooper also featured in both of Tuesday’s sessions while midfielder Kieran Lee joined in with the morning workout.

“With these three players, we must have a little bit of patience,” said boss Jos Luhukay, who gave the players yesterday off.

“They have not played with the team since December last year. It is a long time and they have only trained one week 100 per cent with the group, not Gary.

“Step by step and we hope that they come in their best form which they had before their injuries.”

Saturday’s behind-closed-doors friendly with NAC Breda is likely to come too soon for the trio as they aim to put their injury problems behind them.

But Luhukay has indicated Fletcher may come into his thoughts for their warm-up match away to League Two side Mansfield Town next Tuesday.Maybe Steven [could play] but it is a little bit difficult to say right now,” said Luhukay.

“We have a few days to go before the next game. It could be that one of them [Fletcher, Hooper or Lee] can play but we must wait to see what the situation is.”

n Wednesday have been allocated 4,550 tickets for their league opener at Wigan Athletic on August 4.