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Barry Bannan Confirms His Absence for Wrexham Clash Following Pedersen’s Announcement
Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan has officially confirmed he will not feature in the Owls’ upcoming Championship clash against Wrexham, following an earlier announcement from head coach Henrik Pedersen.
The Scottish midfielder, a key figure in the Wednesday squad for nearly a decade, took to social media on Friday evening to personally confirm his unavailability for Saturday’s fixture at the Racecourse Ground.
Bannan Speaks Out
Posting on his official Instagram account, Bannan addressed fans directly:
“Gutted to be missing tomorrow’s game against Wrexham. Picked up a minor knock in training and the medical staff, along with the gaffer, decided it’s best I sit this one out and recover properly. I’ll be supporting the lads from the sidelines and can’t wait to be back out there soon. Let’s go, Wednesday!”
His message echoed the cautious approach outlined earlier in the day by manager Henrik Pedersen, who stressed that the decision to rest Bannan was purely precautionary.
Pedersen: ‘We’re Not Taking Risks’
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Pedersen explained the rationale behind the decision.
“Barry picked up a minor muscle issue during training this week. It’s nothing too serious, but we’re being careful,” said the Danish boss. “He’s a crucial player for us, and we want to make sure he doesn’t aggravate it further. This season is long, and we’ll need him fit and firing.”
Bannan’s absence comes at a time when Sheffield Wednesday are desperately looking to find form after a turbulent summer and a shaky start to the Championship season. The 34-year-old midfielder’s leadership and creativity will be sorely missed, particularly against a newly promoted Wrexham side brimming with confidence.
A Blow for the Owls
Bannan has long been regarded as the engine of the Wednesday midfield, known for his work rate, passing range, and tactical intelligence. Without him, Pedersen may turn to younger options or shuffle his midfield to cope with the challenge Wrexham pose at home.
The timing of his absence is especially sensitive given the current atmosphere at the club. Fan unrest continues to grow, with supporters expected to protest against owner Dejphon Chansiri during the game in North Wales. Amid mounting pressure, Pedersen and his squad will need to remain focused and resilient.
Looking Ahead
While Bannan’s injury is not considered serious, no timeline has yet been given for his return. However, both the player and club remain optimistic he’ll be back in contention for the next round of fixtures.
As Sheffield Wednesday prepare for what promises to be a highly charged encounter at Wrexham, the absence of their captain is a significant setback—but both Bannan and Pedersen have made clear: this is about the long game.
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