Chris Wilder talks about Sheffield United's injury crisis and striker Lys Mousset

Twenty-four hours after United’s Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace, pictures began circulating on social media of the French centre-forward’s orange Lamborghini which had been involved in a collision on Abbeydale Road South. Police later confirmed two men in their Twenties had been arrested on suspicion of drink driving, with United also launching an internal investigation into the incident.

Mousset’s name was in the headlines for all the right reasons following their third round win at the Memorial Stadium, as his first half effort laid the foundations for the visitors’ first win of the season.

Although the strike was later attributed as an own goal - Rovers’ Joe Day turning the ball into his own net as he attempted to make a save - Wilder, who also saw Mousset’s team mate Oliver Burke score for the first time since leaving West Bromwich Albion in September, said: “All of the forwards needed that boost.

“Lys did okay. He’s not up to speed as you can see, so it’s always going to be a little bit of a struggle at the moment. He had an injury over the summer and he’s had a difficult week as well.”

“That was self-inflicted,” Wilder continued. “So there’s no sympathy from me for that. But he’s played a part in ending what has been a tough and long period for the players. He was always going to play.”

United travelled to the south-west having lost 15 and drawn three of their last 18 outings in all competitions. But with Jayden Bogle also on target, Wilder’s men ended that run after beating a spirited Rovers side 3-2.

Burke was making his return to the squad following injury, with Wilder describing the fitness issues United are grappling with ahead of Tuesday’s game against Newcastle as “the worst” he has ever known during two decades in management. Enda Stevens and George Baldock are both doubts for that game, which will see United attempt to begin eating away at the 12 point gap separating them from 17th place.

“We’re preparing for that one now,” Wilder said, suggesting Mousset could also be struggling after appearing to hurt an ankle. “We’ll assess Lys and see how he is. We’ve got quite a few out with knocks and George and Enda have joined them. Again, we’ll see how they are.”

Although midfielder John Lundstram has now returned from suspension, easing some of the pressure on United’s depleted squad, the scale of the challenge knocks and Covid-19 have presented Wilder with were highlighted by the sight of Phil Jagielka and Billy Sharp appearing on the bench only 24 hours after being cleared to resume training after contracting the coronavirus.

“Phil and Billy coming back so soon, and their reaction to having it, they were never going to play a huge part,” Wilder said, after leaving both of them on the bench. “If people aren’t available, we’ll just get on with it.”

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