Sheffield United boss hoping for return of key trio

Billy Sharp (centre) and Chris Basham (right) are expected to be fit for Saturday's match against Wigan

Midfielder Chris Basham (leg) and forwards Matt Done (hamstring) and Billy Sharp (foot) had been struggling with injuries of late but the extended break due to non-involvement in the FA Cup has given all three the opportunity to shake off the respective knocks.

Both Basham and Done missed the 0-0 draw with Blackpool last Tuesday and Sharp came off in that game after 70 minutes. However,

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Adkins, though admitting that he would have preferred United to have had a game on Saturday, saw the break as a good opportunity for his inured players to recover.

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“Chris has had a little problem with his leg,” said Adkins. “The week off has enabled us to give him treatment and the same goes for the others too.”

He added: “We’ve been carrying a few little knocks as you would expect at this stage of the season. We had an exceptionally demanding January with some physically demanding games. They were mentally demanding too so we can get everyone refreshed.”

Both Done and Sharp scored the last time United played Wigan - a 3-3 draw in which Adkins’ side came back from three goals down.