Sheffield Wednesday could receive a timely boost ahead of the busy Christmas period of matches as popular defender Reda Johnson may be in line for a long overdue return to full fitness.
Johnson has been out of the side for months with a foot injury but Wednesday manager Dave Jones hinted last week that the Benin international may be ready to return to the fold soon. The fact that Johnson featured for the Owls development squad in a match at Derby County on Monday afternoon suggests that his general fitness levels are up to speed and he is now looking to gain match fitness.
The left-back position that Reda had made his own prior to his injury has been a problem position for Wednesday this season at times. Joe Mattock, signed in the summer, has failed to make an impression and previously of out favour full-back Daniel Jones has often deputised for Johnson with mixed results. Jeremy Helan was brought in on loan from Manchester City last month and has looked like a good prospect but his loan spell is due to expire after Saturday’s home game with Charlton so Johnson’s possible return is well-timed in that respect although it is more than a little overdue.