Sheffield United: Encouraging update on Ciaran Clark after Newcastle United loan star’s recent absence

The 33-year-old has been missing since he made way at half-time of United’s dramatic draw at QPR earlier this year, missing the weekend trip to Millwall in the FA Cup.

With United suffering a spate of hamstring injuries this season, including long-term ones for Rhian Brewster and Rhys Norrington-Davies, fears were raised amongst supporters that Clark may be a long-term absentee as they look to consolidate their promotion place in the coming weeks and months.

Former Blade Mousset 'suspended' by current club over fitness issues - reports

But Heckingbottom, speaking ahead of his side’s return to Championship action this weekend at home to Stoke City, said: “He did it on the stretch, we saw him [struggling] with it afterwards. So we’ll be led by how he recovers from that.

“It’s not an overly massive one, but one we can’t risk and we’ll have to let him settle down. He wasn’t sprinting or anything, he just overstretched and pulled his hamstring.

“Still hurts…” Blades star reveals heartbreak fuelling promotion bid

“In my mind I think he’ll be out the next couple of games, but I might be proved wrong.”

Clark has already missed a chunk of game time this season with hamstring issues, while Ben Osborn is currently sidelined with the same issue. Max Lowe was out with hamstring damage earlier in the season but after returning to the side, picked up a side strain. Osborn is hoping to return to contention in the coming weeks.

Blades pair up against Sunderland, Boro, Coventry stars for top award - vote now