Sheffield United could welcome back up to four players for Saturday’s Championship meeting with Lincoln City, with manager Chris Wilder confirming that three are almost certain to be available.
The Blades have endured a difficult start to the campaign, with injuries contributing to their problems during the opening weeks. However, the extended international break has given Wilder an opportunity to welcome several players back into contention ahead of the Imps’ visit to Bramall Lane.
According to The Star, Harrison Burrows, Ryan One, Femi Seriki and Sam McCallum have all been working towards a return, with Wilder hopeful that the entire quartet could be involved.
“Hopefully, we’ll have the full quartet of players back for the Lincoln game. I’m absolutely certain three out of the four will be available, which is good.”
However, the Sheffield United boss acknowledged that availability does not necessarily mean those players will be ready to start, particularly after lengthy spells on the sidelines.
“Not really, when they’ve been out for eight weeks and they’ve had no football. So, that’s the downside of the players being injured or any player being injured, that he loses match minutes straight away.”
The Blades have also welcomed Tahith Chong back into the fold, with his workload managed during the international break. The winger was left out of one of Curaçao’s fixtures following an agreement with his club.
The return of Burrows and McCallum could offer Wilder further options in his preferred 3-5-2 formation, while Seriki has yet to feature this season. Sheffield United also played a behind-closed-doors friendly against Hull City during the break, losing 2-0.
Wilder believes the injuries have contributed to his side’s attacking difficulties, although he accepts that performances must improve.
“We’re disappointed in the position that we’re in because we should be better and performances should be better. But there’s still a big belief in the group.”
For Lincoln, Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw have also received positive injury news, with Callum Elder returning to training following concussion and Tom Hamer back with the group. Tendayi Darikwa and James Collins remain sidelined.
Both clubs will therefore approach Saturday’s fixture with more options available following the extended break, as City look to build on their away victories at Preston and Bristol City.
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