Sunderland know they are just three games away from a potential return to the Championship as the League One play-offs draw closer. The Black Cats will take on Sheffield Wednesday over two-legs in a bid to book their place in the final against either MK Dons or Wycombe Wanderers on May 21.
Alex Neil's side are in form, but will face a tough task against the Owls - albeit with the memory of their 5-0 win over Darren Moore's men fresh in their minds. However, they also lost the away game at Hillsborough, so it's all to play for.
Wednesday have several injury concerns ahead of their trip to Wearside. Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Hillsborough and the expected return dates for those currently on the sidelines.
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Barry Bannan
The talismanic Owls skipper was taken off in the 82nd minute against Portsmouth after suffering a muscle injury. He will be assessed today. Bannan looked in good spirits with his family during the lap of appreciation and appeared to allay concerns with a post-match tweet.
He posted: “What a atmosphere today, (I) want to thank you all again; amazing love – play offs secured (such a) big performance from the boys again love this team. See you all Friday.”
What Moore said: "What’s the point in worrying now? We don’t know what’s going to happen and we might be jumping to conclusions. In a couple of days things can settle down and we’ll be able to give you a better idea."
Expected return date: Potentially Sunderland first leg
Harlee Dean
The strapping centre back has not featured in the last four matches since suffering a calf problem in the first half of their win at Milton Keynes Dons last month. He is back in full training.
What Moore said: "Harlee is fine. We just felt he wasn't quite ready.
"As the days go by, he is getting better and better. We will see how he is for Friday. It will be another opportunity for him to stake a claim."
Expected return date: Sunderland first leg
Dominic Iorfa
It has been another injury-hit campaign for Iorfa. His last Owls outing came against AFC Wimbledon on April 2.
What Moore said before Portsmouth: " He will be coming back into training in two weeks and from there he might need time to get back to where he needs to be. We will look at him and see how he goes."
Expected return date: Play-Off final
Ciaran Brennan
The 21-year-old defender has been out of action for a number of weeks due to an unspecified knock. Moore said he expects Brennan to resume full training this week.
What Moore said: "It has been a lengthy process with him. He has progressed well.”
Expected return date: Play-Off final
Tyreece John-Jules
It has been a desperately disappointing loan spell for the young Arsenal striker. John-Jules is still recovering from a quad injury he sustained on his Owls debut against Ipswich Town last January.
What Moore said: "He is making wonderful progress but we think it will be another three weeks before he is back in training. He is on the grass but he is with the sports science. We think he is three to four weeks from being back with the main group."
Expected return date: Next season
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