Sheffield Wednesday’s Darren Moore on leave due to Covid-19 complications

The Sheffield Wednesday manager, Darren Moore, will take a further period of leave after developing complications from Covid-19, including pneumonia and blood clots on his lungs.

The 46-year-old, who was appointed by Wednesday last month, returned to the touchline for Tuesday’s Championship defeat by Swansea following a spell in self-isolation but he will now take a further period of leave.

“I have developed pneumonia as a result of Covid-19, with blood clots on the lungs and extreme discomfort,” Moore told the club’s website. “I am gutted to be away but I understand the situation and the course of action I must take.”

No timescale has been put on his anticipated period of absence, but Moore will miss Saturday’s game against Bristol City, and almost certainly the home match with Blackburn next Tuesday. Wednesday have five games left to play this season and are currently eight points adrift in the relegation zone.

A club statement read: “Darren Moore has suffered a setback after his recent contraction of Covid-19 that will dictate a further absence from the club. The Owls manager returned to Middlewood Road [the club’s training ground] last Monday having completed the requisite isolation period.

“Moore felt fully fit to assume his duties but experienced discomfort following our home game with Swansea on Tuesday,” the club added. “Everyone at the club sends their very best wishes to the gaffer for a speedy and full recovery.”

Derby County, where Moore spent two years as a player, tweeted: “Our thoughts are with Darren and his family at this difficult time. Stay strong, and we wish you a speedy and safe recovery, Darren.”

Doncaster Rovers, who Moore managed before joining Wednesday, tweeted: “Everyone at Rovers sends their best wishes to the former manager Darren Moore for a speedy recovery.”