Sheffield Wednesday played out a 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough on Wednesday night. It was a near-empty Hillsborough as the majority of fans stayed away to protest against Dejphon Chansiri’s ownership.
The defeat only deepens the SWFC crisis, with the picture looking increasingly bleak.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Henrik Pedersen has had enough on his plate, but injury problems have persisted to leave his squad even shorter on numbers. Now, in the wake of the Boro loss, yet another blow has been confirmed.
Speaking post-match, the Sheffield Wednesday boss revealed that emerging striker George Brown has now been cast to the sidelines in unfortunate circumstances.
The 19-year-old twisted his foot in a training session on Tuesday and he now faces between six and eight weeks on the sidelines. Pedersen told The Star:
“Yesterday in training he got a ball in his feet in a pressing situation and it twisted, so he is injured.
“I think he will be out for six to eight weeks. The ball touched his foot and it just twisted.”
It comes shortly after the SWFC boss urged his young players to be smarter in listening to their bodies to avoid injury. Brown’s blow feels likely desperately unfortunate one though, picking up his issue in an innocuous training situation.
George Brown injury another big Sheffield Wednesday blow amid impressive breakthrough
One of the few positives from this season has been how Sheffield Wednesday’s youngsters have fared since being thrust into the limelight. Pedersen has had little choice but to turn to his academy for more first-team numbers.
Alongside Ernie Weaver, who is also injured, striker Brown has been one of the brightest players. Despite his inexperience, he has proven himself as a goal threat for SWFC.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
It means this injury makes for another unwelcome headache for Pedersen. He’ll be without a hard-working striker, and one of few goal threats.
Nonetheless, both Brown and Wednesday must take time with his return. Rushing the youngster back risks re-injury, and at such a young age, they must be careful to ensure he only comes back when fully ready to avoid a further blow that would damage his future.
George Brown’s 2025/26 Championship stats
Who will Henrik Pedersen turn to in Sheffield Wednesday attack?
Somewhat reassuringly for Sheffield Wednesday, striker is one of few positions they have at least a bit of depth.
SWFC have two established senior strikers in Jamal Lowe and Ike Ugbo. The latter stepped up when the Owls needed him the most when on loan, so it will be hoped he can be inspired back to form.
Bailey Cadamarteri has broken through over the past two years or so and will be out to impress. Brown’s injury could also mean opportunity knocks for Charlie McNeill, who has found minutes hard to come by since signing upon his Manchester United exit.
Up next for Wednesday is a home tie against Oxford United, with further protests against Chansiri sure to take place.