The latest dilemma Sheffield United face regarding striker Lys Mousset

Mousset made his return to action following toe surgery against West Bromwich Albion last weekend, with Wilder introducing him as a substitute during the closing stages of the fixture as United unsuccessfully chased a late equaliser.

Speaking after the game, United’s manager admitted Mousset would only have been able to “play a quarter of an hour at best” after spending nearly three months on the sidelines.

Aware the centre-forward’s pace and unpredictability can change the course of a contest, Wilder is understandably keen to hand him a more prominent role over the coming weeks, as United attempt to lift themselves off the foot of the table.

But with Mousset missing a large part of United’s preparation programme for the new campaign - concerns were expressed about his overall conditioning levels at the time - Wilder recognises the need to ease the 24-year-old back into action rather than parachute him straight into the starting eleven like John Fleck. Despite only declaring himself available for selection a week earlier, the midfielder completed 90 minutes of United’s recent meeting with West Ham before also featuring at The Hawthorns. However, Fleck’s fitness levels have never been a cause for concern.

Given United’s poor form in front of goal since returning to action in September - they have scored only four times this term, with two of those efforts coming from the penalty spot - Wilder has been encouraged by Mousset’s response to doubts about his lifestyle away from the pitch.

Although United envisage Mousset forming a potentially exciting partnership with fellow youngster Rhian Brewster, who became their record signing when he completed a £23.5m move from Liverpool during the summer transfer window, they are unlikely to pair them together until the former AFC Bournemouth marksman’s rehabilitation is complete.

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