Sheffield United: Defensive boost for Blades ahead of Ipswich clash at Bramall Lane

The wing-back missed United’s last three games - wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves and defeat at Nottingham Forest - after sustaining an injury to his ribs against Norwich last month.

His return is particularly timely after George Baldock, United’s other right-back, injured his calf at Forest. He will miss the visit of Ipswich, but could be available for selection against Reading next week.

Wilder blamed Baldock’s injury on a congested fixture schedule after he played against Wednesday, Wolves and Forest in the space of six days.

“George put a lot in to those games,” the United chief said.

“Emotionally and physically. Given that he played those games back to back rather than being eased back in, we probably expected this. It’s just down to workload.”

Baldock impressed after replacing the injured Freeman in United’s starting eleven and Wilder added: “It’s about how long we thought. He should be okay for Reading or Leeds.”