REVEALED: Chris Wilder explains why Lys Mousset won't be in Sheffield United squad to face Southampton

The Frenchman was a notable absentee from the United teamsheet for Monday's defeat at home to Everton, a result which ended their hopes of qualifying for Europe.

Wilder refused to comment on the striker's absence after the game. But this morning, at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to the south coast, Wilder moved to clarify the situation with the former Bournemouth man.

"Lys has had a few knocks and niggles, and his girlfriend has just given birth," Wilder said.

"So I made the decision to let him go home. I believe that was the correct decision, to let him go back.

"He obviously couldn't return to France during the lockdown, but it's not been easy for the foreign boys and I made that decision over the last seven days.

"So he doesn't come back into it [for the Southampton game] and that explains the situation."

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