Sheffield Wednesday: Josh Windass development could keep Owls in the Championship: View | OneFootball

Sheffield Wednesday reignited their hopes of survival this season with a 2-0 win away to fellow strugglers QPR last Saturday.

The game was noted not only for its ramifications in terms of the Championship relegation battle, but also for the return of Wednesday striker Josh Windass, who had been out of action since the 31st of January.

Windass has struggled for minutes this season, starting just 17 games for Wednesday.

But he has shown his quality in spells and had begun to put together a run of form before his most recent injury - Windass had scored two goals in his last four games before coming off at half-time at home to Watford.

What was initially a precautionary measure turned into more than two months on the sidelines, and Windass will be hoping to put his injury worries behind him as he attempts to help Wednesday beat the drop.

Danny Rohl will hope that Windass' return can be the catalyst to fire Wednesday to safety after he played 70 minutes in their crucial win against QPR.

With Ian Poveda suffering a reported hamstring injury in the win at Loftus Road, Wednesday will be relieved to have Windass back to shoulder some of the attacking responsibility as they approach the run-in.

Windass' spot in the starting XI not guaranteed

Whilst Wednesday fans will be glad to have Windass back, the 30-year-old will take time to get adjusted to a side that's grown in confidence during his time on the sidelines.

Wednesday won five games in the two months Windass was out, one less than they managed in the six months preceding that, and the January additions of Ike Ugbo and Poveda have bolstered their frontline.

Poveda's injury means Windass will be relied upon more heavily. But with both Djeidi Gassama and Windass' direct replacement Anthony Musaba netting against QPR, the Englishman faces stiff competition for a starting berth.

Windass was an integral part of Wednesday's team last season as they were promoted to the Championship, and he scored the winning goal in the play-off final against Barnsley.

But injuries have prevented him from making much of an impression this season, and he'll have to earn the right to play, with Wednesday in the midst of a relegation battle.

Wednesday have five games to save their season

Last Saturday's win against QPR means Wednesday are just one point from safety with five games to play.

Windass has only been back for one game but will have to quickly get up to speed if he's to play a significant role in Wednesday's run-in.

The former Rangers frontman was disciplined against QPR but failed to take his chance when it came. Diverting Poveda's cross wide with the goal gaping and with just five games remaining, there's no time for Windass to ease his way back into the side.

Poveda's injury has given Rohl a new selection headache, and it's yet to be seen where Windass features in the German's thinking.

Windass brings experience and a unique ability to drag Wednesday to wins. But Gassama and Musaba are coming off the back of impressive displays against QPR and have consistently proven their worth to Rohl this season.

Rohl has options, but time is running out for him to make the right call as Wednesday slip towards relegation.