Sheffield Wednesday fans have been waiting with bated breath for the return of goalkeeper Pierce Charles.
The custodian hasn’t played since injuring his shoulder against Stoke back in September, and he’s been sorely missed between the posts.
Charles’ injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, really, with Wednesday short on goalkeeping options and eventually needing to get special dispensation to land other options.
Joe Lumley played a couple of games, with Ethan Horvath currently acting as the number one stopper in the absence of Charles.
Now, he looks to be on the mend, although there was a bit of a weird situation that took place as Charles made his return to action in the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup.
Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesPierce Charles makes a comeback in County Cup clash
Charles played for 90 minutes of the clash against Stocksbridge Park Steels which was played at Hillsborough, although he was substituted before the penalty shootout.
With his injury being a shoulder problem, perhaps there is a sense that diving along the ground five times in quick succession wouldn’t have been the best thing for his arm.
As a result, he was substituted before the shootout, with young goalkeeper Jack Phillips proving the hero by saving a penalty to guide the Owls through.
Wednesday were held to a 3-3 draw in 90 minutes by the Northern Premier League Division One outfit, with the non-league outfit giving a strong account of themselves.
The Owls’ goals came from Cole McGhee, Devlan Moses and a long-range stunner from Jarvis Thornton.
Should Sheffield Wednesday risk Pierce Charles at Blackburn?
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Wednesday need Charles back
With Wednesday still in administration, Charles will be available at a cut-price deal to any potential buyers in January.
As a result, the Owls need to get the takeover sorted and prioritise getting the very best deal for Charles – that’s if they choose to sell him at all.
Right now, Wednesday need to get Charles back between the posts as a matter of urgency, with clean sheets not forthcoming and the Owls shipping silly goals each week.
Charles is one of the brightest goalkeeping talents in the country and it’s a welcome boost for Henrik Pedersen that he came through last night unscathed, it seems.