Identified: The huge problem Sheffield United could face between the posts after the international break

Seven members of the squad which faced Chelsea last weekend have been called-up by their respective counties during the latest break in the domestic fixture calendar while Ethan Ampadu, who was ineligible for selection at Stamford Bridge, will link-up with Wales for their games against the USA, Republic of Ireland and Finland.

After admitting Jack O’Connell is unlikely to feature against his season as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, Wilder was also forced to omit John Fleck (back) and Lys Mousset (toe) from the meeting with Frank Lampard’s side - having been told by medical staff that neither was ready to take part..

Given the stress the duo’s absence has placed upon his team - Wilder describing them as “game changers” before a 4-1 defeat left United propping up the rest of the table - the 53-year-old is keeping his fingers crossed the damage the fixture calendar has already caused to United’s preparations for West Ham’s visit on November 22 is not exacerbated by any more injury problems.

“We’re obviously limited in terms of what we can do (on the training ground) at the moment because so many lads are away,” Wilder said. “It goes without saying that, if a player is called up by their country then they’re a good player, so we can’t do much detailed work until they are all back here.

“The main thing, then, is keeping our fingers crossed that they all come back okay and available to us.”

The clash with Chelsea marked the end of a challenging sequence of matches for United who, after facing Liverpool and Manchester City en route to the capital, found themselves facing the three most recent title winners in quick succession following last month’s draw with Fulham.

Oli McBurnie and Oliver Burke are part of the Scotland party which locks horns with Slovakia and Israel following a European Championship play-off against Serbia, while John Egan and Enda Stevens have been selected by Ireland for their forthcoming games against England, Wales and Bulgaria. Sander Berge has been called-up for Norway’s games with Israel, Romania and Austria.

However, the contests Wilder could be keeping the closest eye on could come at Molineux, where England under-21’s are set to face Andorra and Albania. Rhian Brewster, United’s new record signing, and Aaron Ramsdale are both set to feature for the hosts. With Wes Foderingham missing United’s last four outings due to a hand problem, the untested Michael Verrips could be the only senior goalkeeper at Wilder’s disposal if Ramsdale sustains a knock either during training or those matches in the Midlands.

Foderingham was again on the absentees list at Chelsea, while Simon Moore’s name was ommited from the squad list United submitted to competition chiefs last month.

"We’re proud to see the lads go away,” Wilder said. “We just hope they come back okay.”

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