Oliver Arblaster injury state of play for double header as Sheffield United hope for pre-Leeds United boost

Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, has appeared to rule key midfielder Oliver Arblaster out of the upcoming double-header against Swansea City and Luton Town as the stand-in skipper continues his rehabilitation from an ankle injury. Arblaster has missed United’s two matches after suffering the freak injury in training on the eve of the victory over Derby County last month.

Although fellow youngster Sydie Peck has impressed in his absence, the return of Arblaster would represent a significant boost for Wilder’s men as they look to continue their good start to the new season. But Wilder’s latest update, that the midfielder will be monitored throughout the upcoming international break, suggests that he will not be ready to face either Swansea or Luton this week.

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Asked if there was any update on how long Arblaster may be missing, Wilder said this afternoon: “No, not really. It’s week by week, really. Let’s get through the international break and see how it is, leading up to the two big games after the break. It’s not ‘serious’ serious. We’ve got to cope with it, and I believe we will cope with it.

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"Sydie has come in and played a part. Jamie Shackleton can play in there, Gus Hamer can play in there if we want to as well. It’s a tight squad and we have to cope and get over these mini setbacks. And show we are not just about one player and the team isn’t reliant on one player - even though he’s an outstanding young player."

After the break United resume their Championship season with a trip up the M1 to face neighbours and rivals Leeds United, before travelling to Middlesbrough the following Wednesday. Wilder reported no fresh injury issues from Saturday’s battling draw at Portsmouth but Vini Souza - United’s skipper in the absence of Jack Robinson and Arblaster - goes into the home double-header just one booking away from a one-game suspension. Hamer is two away from a ban, as is defender Anel Ahmedhodzic.