Rhian Brewster injury latest after Sheffield United striker left England U21 camp early

Sheffield United will give Rhian Brewster, their record signing, as much time as possible to prove his fitness for this weekend's clash with West Ham after the young striker returned home early from England U21 duty.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Brewster was granted permission to miss Aidy Boothroyd's side's midweek clash with Albania and travel back to Shirecliffe for medical treatment, after he picked up a knock in their 3-1 win over Andorra.

The Star understands that the move is only precautionary, with England's place at Euro 2021 already secure and the game against Albania effectively a dead rubber.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Aaron Ramsdale, Brewster's teammate with club and country, will be rested, although he has been assured by Boothroyd that the No.1 shirt remains his.

Boothroyd is unwilling to risk the fitness of the players who are carrying knocks in a qualifying game that has been effectively rendered meaningless, and Brewster will now undergo assessments at Shirecliffe ahead of Sunday's game against West Ham at Bramall Lane.

Tellingly, Boothroyd admitted that Brewster, along with Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, would play "if there was a cup final tomorrow".

"But such is the nature of this season and the loading of the players," he added, "it's the right thing to do for those guys not to take any risks."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Brewster, who joined United in the last transfer window for a fee which could rise as high as £23.5m, has endured something of a baptism of fire in a red and white shirt so far. After making his Premier League debut off the bench against Fulham, his three starts for the Blades have come against Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Rhian Brewster of England during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualifying match at Molineux, Wolverhampton. Picture date: 13th November 2020. Picture credit should read: Andrew Yates/SportimageRhian Brewster of England during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualifying match at Molineux, Wolverhampton. Picture date: 13th November 2020. Picture credit should read: Andrew Yates/Sportimage
Rhian Brewster of England during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualifying match at Molineux, Wolverhampton. Picture date: 13th November 2020. Picture credit should read: Andrew Yates/Sportimage

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.