Aaron Ramsey is set to hold talks with Cardiff City over his future at the club, now that his season is already over.
Manager Omer Riza has expressed his sympathy for Ramsey after it was confirmed the Cardiff captain will miss the rest of the season following surgery on a recurring hamstring injury.
The 34-year-old - whose contract expires in June - has endured a frustrating campaign, featuring in just eight Championship matches and two FA Cup ties.
His absence is a blow for a Bluebirds side fighting to secure their place in the division, but Riza insists the club must push forward without him.
"It's unfortunate," Riza said of Ramsey's setback.
"Another unfortunate one for Aaron, it's been tough for him mentally to come back from another injury and another operation. He's got the experience and the people behind him to guide him the right way."
While Ramsey’s leadership on the pitch will be missed, Riza emphasised the importance of the squad stepping up in his absence.
"He has been injured for a lot of the season," he added.
"That's why we have got a squad of players and a lot of the other players have played in his place - we are missing him until the end of the season and discussions will take place with regards to how it all moves forward from then."
Cardiff’s struggles have extended well beyond just Ramsey’s injury woes, though.
A season that began with aspirations of a play-off push has instead turned into a battle for survival.
READ MORE: Craig Bellamy Reveals His Pain Over Latest Aaron Ramsey Setback
Heading into the final eight games, the Bluebirds sit just one point above the relegation zone.
Midfielder David Turnbull, who joined the club in February in a £2m move from Celtic, admits the team has fallen well short of expectations.
"Throughout the season it's not been good enough – we've been way too inconsistent," Turnbull said.
"When we need to step up we seem to be doing that, but we need more now. For the rest of the season we need to be on it and put a run of results together.
"This is not where Cardiff are supposed to be as a club, in my opinion. But the boys know that and it's about sticking together, getting through this and hopefully pushing on next season."
Turnbull has also dealt with his own injury issues, missing over three months of the campaign with a hamstring problem.
Now back to full fitness after making his return in the crucial win over Blackburn, the Scotland international is determined to play his part in Cardiff’s survival bid.
"The injury came at a bad time personally when I felt I was asserting myself on the team and we were putting on some good performances," he said.
"I've got a lot to give for the rest of the season and feel I can make an impact if I'm given a chance."
With crunch fixtures ahead – including Saturday’s home clash against Sheffield Wednesday - Turnbull insists every game must be treated as a Cup final.
"There's games we can win – we've not shown enough over the season, but if we play like we know we can, we can get the results," he added.
The Bluebirds are only one point above 22nd placed Derby County, with the Rams on the charge with three successive wins.
Cardiff put an end to a three match losing streak last time out with a 2-1 victory over play off contenders Blackburn Rovers but will need to make it two in a row to keep their heads above water.
READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey’s Future At Cardiff City Looks Increasingly Uncertain After Latest Injury Setback
• Cardiff City have won just one of their last six home league games against Sheffield Wednesday (D4 L1), though that sole victory did come in this exact fixture last season with a 2-1 success.
• Since the start of 2008, Sheffield Wednesday have won just two of their 18 away league games against sides from Wales (D7 L9), though the Owls did win on their last visit in a 1-0 victory over Swansea City in February.
• Cardiff have lost six of their last eight league games against sides from Yorkshire (W1 D1), conceding 24 goals in total during those matches.
• Sheffield Wednesday have won each of their last two away league games whilst scoring 3+ goals in the process; the Owls' last won more in succession while netting 3+ times in each back in December 2004 in the third tier.
• Sheffield Wednesday have scored 53 goals across their 38 league games this season, last scoring more at this stage of a campaign in the second tier in 2015-16 (56).
