"Could be a big one" - Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl issues concerning double injury blow | OneFootball

Key injuries to Di’shon Bernard and Barry Bannan leave Sheffield Wednesday facing a squad crisis as they fight to stay in playoff contention.

Sheffield Wednesday's hopes of an unlikely surge towards the Championship playoffs have been dealt a potentially devastating blow after Danny Rohl admitted Di'Shon Bernard’s injury "could be a big one".

With midfield general Barry Bannan also facing an uncertain spell on the sidelines, the Owls’ squad depth will be put to the test in the crucial weeks ahead.

A late 96th-minute winner from West Brom midfielder Jayson Molumby on Saturday denied Wednesday a point at The Hawthorns, with Tony Mowbray's side running out 2-1 winners.

Danny Rohl speaks out on Di'Shon Bernard and Barry Bannan injury blows

Bernard, a key figure in Wednesday’s defensive line, limped off against West Bromwich Albion, clutching his knee in clear discomfort. He initially attempted to play on, but it became evident just before half-time that he could not continue.

His absence could not have come at a worse time. Wednesday’s defensive ranks are already stretched, with Akin Famewo and Dominic Iorfa also facing fitness concerns.

The club's decision not to sign a centre-back in the January transfer window - despite calls from fans to reinforce the position - now looks increasingly costly.

Jamaican international Bernard has been integral to the Owls’ backline since he joined from Manchester United’s academy in July 2023, following loans with Hull City and Portsmouth. The centre-back has amassed over 2,000 minutes in blue and white so far this season.

“Not good,” Röhl said, as per The Sheffield Star.

“It could be a big one, a big injury. This is very sad for him."

While Bernard’s injury is an immediate defensive problem, the potential loss of Barry Bannan for an extended period threatens to stifle Sheffield Wednesday’s creativity in midfield.

The club captain, who has long been the team’s heartbeat, is awaiting results from a specialist consultation to determine the extent of his injury. Rohl’s uncertainty over his return timeline only adds to the concern.

"With Barry, we do not know when he is back and it could be a longer one; it could be four weeks, six weeks, it could be seven days," Rohl revealed on the Scottish playmaker.

"At the moment we are not sure and it is a difficult one.

“I am convinced though that we can get the next chance. I said this before, we must be positive. We have 24 hours to take the defeat and then we will go again.”

Bannan’s vision and technical ability are irreplaceable assets for Wednesday. Without him, the team will need to find new ways to dictate the tempo of matches.

Concern grows that the midfield rank at Wednesday does not possess the same level of influence or experience in orchestrating attacking moves as Bannan.

A drop in performance due to the Scotsman’s absence was notable against West Bromwich Albion, with January acquisition Stuart Armstrong still acclimatising during his stint as deputy.

Sheffield Wednesday may have to turn to free agents market for short-term injury solutions

With Wednesday’s injury list growing, Rohl faces a race against time to find solutions. The Owls have left spaces open on their EFL squad list, meaning they could explore the free agent market for reinforcements.

However, securing an experienced centre-back or a midfield playmaker capable of making an immediate impact at this stage of the season is a tall order.

The coming weeks will be crucial. Wednesday must navigate this difficult spell without two of their most important players while continuing to pick up results. If they can weather this storm, their playoff ambitions might still be alive. If not, Rohl’s men could find themselves slipping back into the lower reaches of the Championship table.