Sheffield Wednesday’s long-term absentees Lucas Joao and Marco Matias aren’t far off making a return to first team action, according to the Sheffield Star.
Towering striker Joao sustained an injury at the back end of August, as the Owls registered a dramatic 1-1 draw at Brentford. The 23 year-old hasn’t featured since.
It was around this time last year when Wednesday supporters saw the best of their Portugese starlet, as he went on a run of scoring 5 goals in 7 games between last October and November.
However, Joao has endured a difficult and frustrating start to this campaign, as injury and increased competition for places has limited to him to just three starts. His solitary goal came in the 2-1 cup defeat to Cambridge United.
The former Nacional man could be available for selection as soon as this weekend, when the Yorkshiremen travel to Fulham.
Meanwhile, his compatriot Marco Matias could resume training towards the end of the month.
The winger hasn’t represented the Owls all season after sustaining an injury in the impressive pre-season victory over Benfica.
Matias starred in that 1-0 victory, and it gave many supporters confidence that he could become one of Carvalhal’s key players this term, following a season of adapting to the pace and physicality of the English game.
The 27 year-old is no stranger to the treatment room, turning out for the Owls on just 18 occasions last campaign due to various injury problems.
Despite this, Matias did glitter a frustrating year with sprinkles of his quality that prompted Carvalhal to swoop for his signature last summer. Look no further than his scintillating goal of the season winning volley in the stalemate at Leeds.
The wideman would be welcomed back with open arms into a team who have lacked width all term.
