Ahead of tomorrow nights 1st round cup tie at West Brom, United’s assistant manager Stuart McCall gave the public an injury update.
Club captain Billy Sharp has only had short cameo roles off the bench in the first couple of games this season, after recovering from a calf injury that he suffered last season. McCall, in the pre-match press conference, insisted that Sharp “is back up to speed now”.
From one club legend to another, Chris Basham hasn’t featured at all yet but McCall told the media in the pre-match press conference that Basham is “not far away at all” from returning. “He is absolutely desperate to get back”, McCall said.
Tommy Doyle still hasn’t kicked a ball yet since joining United on loan from Manchester City back in early July. It was a signing that was thought to be a statement of intent, and the fans were pleased when he was announced, but unfortunately a thigh strain has kept him out of games. However a positive update was given by Stuart McCall about the young midfielder: “Tommy’s back on the grass joining in with us.” [Sheffield United YouTube]
Experienced left-wingback Enda Stevens exited the Watford game early after suffering a calf injury. McCall gave us the latest about the extent of the Irishmans injury.
McCall said: “Enda’s scan has come back a lot more positive than we were thinking, so that’s good. I know the physios don’t like us putting timescales on it because it puts them under pressure but hopefully it’s weeks not months.” [Sheffield United YouTube]
McCall also revealed that Ismaila Coulibaly has undergone a knee operation. The young midfielder made a good impression in pre-season, but he hasn’t been able to capitalise on that form and feature in the matchday squad in the league due to his knee injury.
McCall stated: “He’s had to have a knee operation. They found something and he struggled after preseason in his knee. Unfortunately for the kid, who was working really hard, he’s had to have a clean up on his knee. Not sure how long he’ll be.” [Sheffield United YouTube]
Oli McBurnie started in Sheffield United’s development team yesterday afternoon, he managed to get on the scoresheet in a 2-0 victory over Reading.
United’s assistant manager told the media: “He’s been working really hard, looks in good nick. He’s had a lousy run of injuries and illness so hopefully now he can kick on.” [Sheffield United YouTube]