Sheffield United consider summoning star midfielder back to the South Yorkshire following the international break

Despite not making a Premier League appearance since December, Berge was granted permission to link up with the Norway squad this week as part of his rehabilitation process.

Although the 23-year-old is expected to be a player in high demand this summer, when managerless United will begin preparing for their return to the Championship following a chaotic season, coaching staff at the Premier League club still hope to be able to call upon his services before the end of the campaign.

Berge is understood to have spent much of the past month undergoing specialist treatment in London after suffering a minor set-back in his fitness battle.

Paul Heckingbottom who was placed in caretaker charge when Chris Wilder left his position a fortnight ago, suggested the situation would be reviewed when Berge returns from duty with Stale Stolbakken’s side.

“Sander has been doing his work away from here, but we’re hopeful, yes,” Heckingbottom said, responding to questions Berge’s prospects of featuring for United again this term. “He’s being working really hard, getting specialist care and that will stand him in good stead.”

Berge was yesterday pictured taking part in a session with his Norwegian team mates at their temporary base in Spain, where their latest round of World Cup qualifiers are being staged because of travel restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, at this stage he is not thought to be in contention for a role when United face their Yorkshire rivals Leeds next weekend.

“Obviously what we can do is limited,” Heckingbottom continued, “Because we’ve got so many either out at the moment or away with their countries. There’s still plenty we can do, though, with the lads who are still here.

"It’s an important tine and we’re looking to make the most of it, the best we can make of it as possible, by really drilling what we want to do into people.”

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