Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 6, 2022. Cardiff City's Mark McGuinness applauds fans after the match.
Sheffield Wednesday have been handed an injury boost after Darren Moore confirmed that Mark McGuinness is set to return for the League One game vs Lincoln on Saturday.
The Lowdown: Road to recovery
The Owls secured a 2-0 victory over Cambridge United last weekend so should be heading into the upcoming encounter at the LNER Stadium full of confidence.
The centre-back made a partial return to action in midweek, lasting just over an hour in the Papa John’s Trophy tie against Leicester’s U21s, and having got vital minutes in the tank, could now be about to make a league start for the first time in five weeks.
The Latest: Moore’s fitness update
Speaking to The Star, Moore revealed that McGuinness is now ready to be reintroduced for Wednesday and will be available for selection to take on the Imps.
“He’s ready to start now. He’s back in. I’m so pleased to have him back, especially with Reece going down. It’s a really important position and even though Mark is right-footed, he’s really accomplished on that left-hand side.
“With Akin [Famewo] having his injury and Reece [James] going down in the last couple of weeks, to have Mark back at his game, it’s the perfect timing to have him back.”
The Verdict: Huge boost
Moore will know just how much of an integral member of the Hillsborough starting XI McGuinness is, and it’ll be a massive boost to have him back at his disposal.
The ‘tower of strength’, as dubbed by former Ipswich assistant manager Stuart Taylor, averages 2.8 aerial wins and 2.7 clearances per 90 minutes, highlighting the rock he is at the heart of the backline (WhoScored).
Victory against Mark Kennedy’s side would keep the Owls firmly in the race for promotion, and McGuinness’s long-awaited return will only increase the chances of that happening.
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