Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen has announced that Liam Cooper has a groin problem ahead of their game against QPR.

The Owls are experiencing an injury problem, leaving the Dane with a very depleted team to begin 2026, and things have only gotten worse since the 3-0 loss to Preston North End.

The 34-year-old joined the Yorkshire club in November, signing a contract that would keep him at Hillsborough until the end of the season. He has already made eight Championship appearances since joining as a free agent.

However, the defender only lasted 39 minutes in the latest setback to Paul Heckingbottom’s side, with goals from Ali McCann, Milutin Osmajic, and Lewis Dobbin.

The defeat extended Sheffield Wednesday’s winless streak to 18 games, leaving the team at the bottom of the second division standings.

Sheffield Wednesday suffers Liam Cooper blow.

Pedersen stated that Cooper was forced to leave the game against Preston on Thursday afternoon due to a groin injury.

The 48-year-old did not specify the severity of his ailment, but he hinted that it may be a long absence and stated that the centre-back has been overworked since joining the club in November.

“His groin is not good,” Pedersen told The Star.

“He’s a terrific example; he’s played exceptionally well for us.

“He means a lot to us; he’s a good leader and defender, but his left foot has also been really useful in the build-up for us.

“However, he has also played more than he should have given his fitness level when he joined the club.”

“Let’s see how long he’s gone, but it’s not good.”

“It’s too early to say [how long he’ll be out for], he’ll get a scan tomorrow and then we’ll know more.”

Sheffield Wednesday are at the bottom of the Championship table after 24 games, with a negative seven point total.

The gap to safety is already 32 points, indicating that the Owls will almost certainly be relegated to League One in 2026.

Pedersen’s team has won only one league game this season, drawn eight and lost 15, while fans await confirmation of a change in ownership.

Sheffield Wednesday’s next game is against QPR on January 4 at Loftus Road, with a 12pm kickoff.

Liam Cooper’s injury is a major setback for Sheffield Wednesday.

Cooper’s immediate entry into the starting lineup at Sheffield Wednesday was necessary given the club’s existing roster deficiency.

However, Pedersen’s words highlight the tense situation at Hillsborough, as playing him practically every minute since November has always risked this type of fitness concern.

Cooper shouldn’t be reliant on as heavily as he is, but the Owls have few options.

Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping he is not out for too long, especially given the club’s current transfer constraints, which make it uncertain when they will be able to bring in any more new faces.