Chris Wilder's injury update on George Baldock ahead of Sheffield United's clash with Chelsea

Chris Wilder hopes to avoid another injury headache after George Baldock, the Sheffield United defender, was forced off with a hamstring injury in the victory over West Bromwich Albion.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Baldock, who played every minute of every game for the Blades in the Premier League last season, went off just before half-time in the victory over the Baggies after appearing to damage his hamstring in an innocuous-looking challenge on the Blades right.

Wilder revealed afterwards that the initial prognosis was that Baldock's muscle was "tight" rather than anything more serious, but he will be assessed fully ahead of this weekend's clash with Chelsea at Bramall Lane.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is merely the latest injury worry Wilder has had to contend with this season, after being robbed of some key players at different times throughout the season.

Jack O'Connell has been the biggest loss after undergoing knee surgery, but key men like John Fleck, Sander Berge and Oli McBurnie have also had spells on the sidelines.

"There always seems to be a 'but' after a result in terms of injuries," Wilder said. "Hopefully with George, it's not a big one."

Sheffield United's George Baldock receives treatment for an injury: Tim Keeton/PA Wire.Sheffield United's George Baldock receives treatment for an injury: Tim Keeton/PA Wire.
Sheffield United's George Baldock receives treatment for an injury: Tim Keeton/PA Wire.

The Blades boss says Ben Osborn and Enda Stevens could be "close" to full fitness ahead of the weekend clash with Thomas Tuchel's Blues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United were able to name a full complement of nine substitutes on the bench, for the first time in a number of weeks, but only by promoting youngsters Zak Brunt and Iliman Ndiaye to the first-team squad on the back of their performances for the U23s this season.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.