Jeff Hendrick is having another difficult loan spell away from Newcastle United at Sheffield Wednesday.
Newcastle United midfielder Jeff Hendrick’s season has been cut short following the announcement of Sheffield Wednesday’s Championship squad list.
Hendrick joined Wednesday on a season-long loan from Newcastle near the end of the summer transfer window. The 32-year-old has made 11 appearances for the Championship strugglers but has not been included in the league’s matchday squad in more than two months.
And, with the teams for the second half of the Championship season decided following the winter transfer window, Hendrick’s name was left out. As a result, the Republic of Ireland is unable to play for Sheffield Wednesday for the rest of the season.
Hendrick did come off the bench in the Owls’ 4-1 FA Cup loss to Coventry City last week, playing 29 minutes. The midfielder was able to play in the game because clubs are not required to follow the same squad rules in cup competitions.
The Steel City outfit attempted to terminate Hendrick’s loan in January but were unable to strike an agreement with Newcastle.
Wednesday presently has seven loan players, but EFL rules state that only five can be included to a matchday squad.
Hendrick is likely to have played his final game for both Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle, as his contract at St James’ Park is slated to expire this summer.
The midfielder has not featured for the Magpies since 2021.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl told The Star about Hendrick’s situation: “He played some minutes in the cup, which was fantastic; I’ve also learned that you have an FA Cup list and a league list.
“We have seven loans, so we have to make judgments, which is why [Hendrick was left off the list].
“He is still involved, and I believe he will be beneficial in the next 15 games. He has trained and is a professional. All of my guys have accepted the situation as it is.
“This is not usual; when I compare this to previous stations, I see players who are upset, and they show it. But my group is amazing; they are doing an outstanding job. It’s wonderful to see.”
Despite his lack of involvement, Hendrick is facing successive Championship relegations after spent the previous season on loan at Reading. Wednesday is currently second-bottom of the table, five points from safety with 15 games remaining.
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