Sheffield United braced for more bad news over Ryan One injury as Chris Wilder rejects suggestion
Ryan One has suffered another hamstring problem just as he looked to establish himself at Sheffield United, with Chris Wilder explaining why the recurrence is particularly concerning and rejecting suggestions the forward was rushed back.
Chris Wilder has rejected any suggestion that Sheffield United rushed back Ryan One from his hamstring issue after a recurrence in training last week sparked fresh fears over the Scottish youth international. One was absent from the teamsheet for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Derby County.
He had only recently made his comeback from an issue that had kept him out since the opening day draw with Birmingham City, and had been earmarked for a key role down the left.
But he was instead sent for a scan on his hamstring as United were left sweating over its severity ahead of Friday night’s home clash with Wrexham at Bramall Lane.
“Ryan’s an explosive player, so they have these situations,” said Wilder, who also saw Patrick Bamford come straight off with a shoulder issue after scoring the equaliser against the Rams.
“We've been careful with him in terms of the minutes that he’s had. So there’s no criticism of the medical staff. We've not rushed him back in or taken a chance.
“He just felt something the other day. So he’s gone for a scan and we’ll see what that's all about. But as anyone who’s seen him will know, that's his game. He's explosive.
“He gets you up the pitch. His pace is phenomenal. So we’re disappointed in that because he would have obviously impacted the [Derby] game.”
Asked if the initial feeling was one of a serious issue or just a tweak, Wilder kept his cards close to his chest. “Yeah, he felt something,” he said. “So I don't think it'll be next week.
“But we have to be careful because he's an asset. And we have to look after the assets of the football club. But it was in the same place as well. That is the concerning aspect of it.
“That it wasn't his right leg, or it wasn't lower or higher than what it was before. So that's a concern for us. He trained really well, right the way through the session. And it was right at the end. So it's really disappointing for Ryan.”
It is another blow for a young man who returned to Bramall Lane in the summer with eyes on a breakthrough season in South Yorkshire. His goals and performances helped Lincoln City win the League One title last term and although he is still a touch raw, his physicality would offer a different dimension to United’s forward line.
“It was a big season for him,” Wilder agreed, “and he did really well. “And he's been robust. He's not had any injuries at all since he’s been at the football club, and he didn't miss any football last year.
“There have been a couple of young, explosive players previously who have had their issues. Daniel Jebbison, Will Osula. But Ryan hasn’t. So it’s a concerning one and we have to make sure we get that right.”