"Every day we put pressure on the EFL": Pedersen on Wednesday injury crisis
The Owls boss is being forced to field squads made up largely of youth players - with the weekend's FA Cup defeat only adding to injury woes
Last updated 12th Jan 2026
Sheffield Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen says the club is asking the EFL 'every day' for help bolstering the squad, with the weekend's defeat to Brentford illustrating the club's precarious position.
The Owls, currently in administration, were beaten 2-0 by the Premier League side, with goals from Keane Lewis-Potter and Mathias Jensen sealing Brentford’s progression.
The Wednesday squad was threadbare and made up largely of youth players.
Goalkeeper Pierce Charles picked up yet another shoulder injury in the defeat, to be replaced by Logan Stretch.
A string of other senior players remain out injured and strict restrictions currently allow the club to sign only two players on loan.
Addressing the squad limitations, Pedersen said:
“They are all on the limit for the red zone, dark red zone. And I have to say the biggest respect for how the young boys handled the situation and how they stay together.
“We are trying to knock on their door every day, we put pressure on the EFL. We need help, we are trying to do what we can to get all the help.
“Right now it’s two players.”
It comes as talks continue over the sale of the club, with a group of bidders being recently granted exclusivity to finalise a takeover.