Sheffield Wednesday are facing an injury crisis at centre back ahead of the weekend’s game against Crewe. 

The Owls were forced to field full backs Liam Palmer and Marvin Johnson alongside utility man Callum Paterson in central defence during the midweek draw at Portsmouth and the same back three could line up on Saturday. 

The 0-0 result at Fratton Park owed much to a man of the match performance from goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell. The on-loan Burnley stopper made a string of good saves in order to earn the Owls a clean sheet. 

Midfielder Massimo Luongo was sent off for a poor challenge on Pompey’s Ronan Curtis and now will serve a three match ban. 

Owl’s manager Darren Moore said: “What I was pleased with the other night was that they were really dogged and determined. I have just got to do more of the same.”

Wednesday go into the match against lowly Crewe two points off the play offs and seven away from the automatic promotion spots. 

Crewe currently sit 23rd in League One but have won their past two games in all competitions.

The young side, including 17-year-old centre half Michael Williams, will go into the game with increased confidence. 

On Crewe, Moore said: “They play with an energy and a purpose about them.

“I think it will be a wonderful, fast football game tomorrow.”

The Railwaymen’s manager David Artell has been playing mind games in the build up, describing Wednesday as “the Real Madrid of League One”. 

Connor Thorpe, a 22-year-old Sheffield Wednesday blogger, said this of the match: “We traditionally struggle in games like this and we obviously have a huge problem at centre back. 

“The loss of Luongo is disappointing as he has probably become our most important player with the bite he provides the midfield.

“Despite my concerns I think Wednesday will still win this. There has been a clear improvement in our style of play in recent weeks and I think that will be too much for a young, struggling Crewe side.”