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Pedersen Hails Parkinson and Reveals Barry Bannan Will Miss Wrexham Clash
Ahead of Sheffield Wednesday’s crucial Championship showdown with Wrexham this weekend, Owls manager Henrik Pedersen has spoken highly of Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson—while also confirming that club captain Barry Bannan will miss the match due to injury.
The two sides are still chasing their first win of the new Championship season, and Saturday’s fixture at the Racecourse Ground is expected to be a tense affair. But Wednesday will be without one of their most experienced and influential players.
Barry Bannan Ruled Out
Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, Pedersen revealed that Bannan will be sidelined due to a minor muscle injury sustained during training earlier this week.
“Unfortunately, Barry won’t be available for the trip to Wrexham,” Pedersen confirmed. “He picked up a slight strain in training, and we’re not going to take any risks with him this early in the season. He’s an important player for us and we want to make sure he recovers fully before returning to action.”
Bannan’s absence will be a major blow for the Owls, who are already facing an uphill battle amid a turbulent start to the campaign. The veteran midfielder has long been the heartbeat of Wednesday’s side, known for his leadership, vision, and ability to control the tempo of games.
Pedersen Praises Parkinson Ahead of Key Fixture
Despite his side’s challenges, Pedersen took a moment to commend Phil Parkinson for his achievements at Wrexham, calling him “a manager I have a lot of respect for.”
“Phil has done a fantastic job. Wrexham’s rise through the leagues under his leadership has been remarkable,” said the Danish coach. “They’re a club with momentum and ambition, and we know it will be a tough test.”
Fan Protests Loom as Pressure Mounts
As Sheffield Wednesday look to bounce back, the club continues to be weighed down by off-field turmoil. Protests are expected during Saturday’s match as fans voice their growing frustration with club owner Dejphon Chansiri. Supporters have planned to vocalise their displeasure in the stands, holding the chairman responsible for what they see as years of poor leadership and stagnation.
Pedersen, who only recently replaced Danny Röhl at the helm, acknowledged the unrest but remained focused on the football. “We can’t control what happens off the pitch. What we can control is our effort, our preparation, and our commitment to getting a result.”
With Barry Bannan unavailable and a difficult atmosphere surrounding the club, Pedersen will need his squad to step up if they are to take anything from what promises to be a challenging trip to North Wales.
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