Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom will be relieved of the weekend’s rest due to an international break. With injuries mounting up, it will be hoped that time out will allow several first-team players to return.
The Blades have (astonishingly) picked up four points from their last two matches after claiming a 2-1 victory at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and an unexpected 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion last Sunday. The turnaround in results has seen the S2 side climb off the bottom of the Premier League table, however, it comes as no surprise that it’s the three promoted sides (Burnley, Blades, and Luton Town), who occupy the three relegation spots.
United have a long list of injuries, with ten first-team players unavailable for selection. Anel Ahmedhodzic (thigh, pictured), John Egan, Chris Basham, Max Lowe (all ankle), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh). Tom Davies, Gustavo Hamer (both thigh), Oli McBurnie (groin), Rhian Brewster (thigh), and Daniel Jebbison (illness), are sidelined through injury and illness.
The Blades will see five first-team players represent their respective countries. George Baldock (Greece), James McAtee (England U21), Yaser Larouci (Algeria). Benie Traore (Ivory Coast U23) and Will Osula (Denmark U21). Meanwhile, defender Auston Trusty (USA) is on standby and could be a last-minute call-up. We hope that they return 100% fit.
All games are tough at the top and when you’re struggling in a relegation dogfight, but the forthcoming games against AFC Bournemouth, Burnley, and Liverpool will be crucial to the Blades task for survival. Six points from these games surely wouldn’t put United in bad health.
- 25th November v AFC Bournemouth
- 2nd December @ Burnley
- 6th December v Liverpool
The international break will do the team a whole lot of good. We can only pray that the Blades do not cause more injuries and that those already sidelined will be on their way back.