Leeds United loanee in race against time to play key role in pivotal relegation clash

Leeds United loanee Ian Poveda stands a chance of being fit enough to play a key role for Sheffield Wednesday in their battle against the drop. The winger, who is expected to leave Elland Road permanently this summer when his contract with the club expires, has underlined his talent since joining the Owls in the January transfer window.

His creative performances have been key to helping push Danny Rohl's side to the brink of safety after spending almost the entire campaign sitting inside the Championship's relegation zone. However, he has missed five of the club's last seven games with a troublesome muscle injury.

Wednesday's results haven't suffered in that time, with Rohl's side approaching the final fixture of the Championship season on the back of a five-game unbeaten run, culminating in last weekend’s dominant victory over play-off chasers West Brom. However, Poveda returning would certainly give them the boost they need to get over the survival line on the final day of the season against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The Colombian has returned to partial training in the build-up to this weekend's clash in the north east and while Rohl hasn't declared him fit to play, he hasn't ruled him out either.

"Today he was also part of the training and some exercises," Rohl said. "Let’s have a look if it makes any sense. I spoke with hum during the week, to get a feeling. I think it’s a final decision for everybody together. I think it’s important. It makes no sense to take a risk – if there is a risk then I will protect them. I have to protect them because, again, an injury in this part of your body, then it’s not helpful for the summer and for the new season. We have to decide this tomorrow. At the moment, he’s just part of the training. He looks better. It’s good to see him back on the grass and this is what he is working for. But all in all, I will decide this tomorrow after the last training and then we will see.”

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Wednesday currently sit 20th in the Championship but they know they need just one point at Sunderland to secure another season of second tier football and stave off the challenge of Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle beneath them.

Should Wednesday beat the drop, it would seem as though they have a good chance of being able to sign Poveda on a permanent deal this summer. Rohl has already outlined his desire to add the winger to his ranks for next season and Poveda may well see Hillsborough as the ideal place to settle, kick on and fully establish himself after making just 30 appearances for Leeds during his four-year stint at Elland Road. Birmingham have also been linked with a move for Poveda this summer, but relegation to League One would likely rule them out of the running.