Sheffield United boss questions the wisdom of international decision

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has questioned the wisdom of the decision to squeeze another round of international games into the European calendar, warning it threatens to place even greater pressure on already injury ravaged squads if players contract Covid-19.
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After seeing the global pandemic wreak havoc with his team’s preparations for the new season - already forced to abandon a training camp in France, United then saw many senior players become ineligible for selection because they were self-isolating - Wilder fears the latest round of Euro 2020 qualifiers and Nations League games could lead to an upturn in the number of positive test results being returned.

With matches suspended for a three month period earlier this year, the revised fixture schedule for the present campaign is already being blamed for an increase in the number of muscle problems being suffered by footballers across England, Scotland and the continent.

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But with the country being placed into lockdown, and government officials advising against all but essential travel, Wilder admits UEFA has taken a risk by refusing to curtail its own programme.

John Fleck hopes to be back in action for Sheffield United soon: Darren Staples/SportimageJohn Fleck hopes to be back in action for Sheffield United soon: Darren Staples/Sportimage
John Fleck hopes to be back in action for Sheffield United soon: Darren Staples/Sportimage

“The schedule is not ideal from our point of view, because of the amount of games they are playing in such a short period,” Wilder, whose side have yet to win this term, said. “But, in fairness, it never is.

“Listen, I’m a massive supporter of players going away, of players representing their country, because I know how proud they are and it’s also good for us - they face some of the very best names and coe up against different styles. But there are difficulties.”

“The Premier League has put in place stringent rules,” he added, referring to its coronavirus protocols. “But when they leave our bubble, it’s a risk.”

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As he attempts to turn around United’s fortunes, Wilder is keeping his fingers crossed that all of those players called-up for duty this week return fit and healthy. However, the demands being placed upon them means that is unlikely, with John Fleck and Oliver Burke among those to sustain knocks on international duty since competition resumed in September. Sander Berge, the United midfielder, has now taken part in 13 games over the past eight weeks alone because of his Norway commitments.

Chris Wilder hopes his players all return to Bramall Lane fit and healthy: David Klein/SportimageChris Wilder hopes his players all return to Bramall Lane fit and healthy: David Klein/Sportimage
Chris Wilder hopes his players all return to Bramall Lane fit and healthy: David Klein/Sportimage

United return to action on November 22nd, when West Ham visit South Yorkshire.

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