The Owls' survival hopes have been dealt a major blow with confirmation Antonio has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a groin injury sustained in Saturday's home defeat to Cardiff.
The winger, who has scored nine goals in 42 appearances for Wednesday this season, was stretchered off on Saturday after suffering the injury during an aerial challenge with Leon Barnett, and scans have confirmed he will play no further part this season.
Jones told the club's official website: "He'll be back for pre-season and that's the target.
"It's happened, it's nobody's fault and we just have to make sure that everything we do is the right thing and we get him fully fit for the start of pre-season.
"Everybody is disappointed and concerned about him as well because he was in a lot of pain but that has subsided now.
"You have to move on and it gives somebody else the opportunity to stake their claim and that's what it's all about."
Jones added: "We're looking at the loan market and have been keeping an eye on that all along and we will see if there is someone we can bring in.
"If there isn't, then we will go with what we've got. It's no good getting someone in to bolster the squad, it's got to be someone who will give us an advantage."
Antonio, 22, who has registered nine assists this season, has been a regular for Jones' side since making an initial loan move from Reading permanent in the summer of 2012.
Jones has until 5pm on Thursday when the loan deadline closes to find a replacement for the player.
The Wednesday boss will be hoping to bring Connor Wickham back to Yorkshire. The Sunderland teenager returned to his parent club last week after making five appearances for the Owls during a month-long spell with the club.
Post Comment
