Sheffield United dealt major Chiedozie Ogbene injury concern ahead of Sheffield Wednesday clash
Chiedozie Ogbene was forced off in Republic of Ireland’s crucial 3-2 win over Hungary in their final World Cup qualifier.
Sheffield United loanee Chiedozie Ogbene was forced off in the second half of the Republic of Ireland’s thrilling 3-2 win over Hungary in their final World Cup qualifier in Budapest on Sunday afternoon.
The winger, who joined the Blades on loan from Championship counterparts Ipswich Town in September, was withdrawn with 53 minutes on the clock at the Puskás Aréna after pulling up with what looked like a potential hamstring injury.
Attempting to latch onto a pass from Troy Parrott, who scored a hat-trick, including a 96th-minute winner to secure the Republic of Ireland a spot in March’s play-offs and keep their World Cup dream alive, Ogbene required treatment and was replaced by Swansea City striker Adam Idah.
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Just as he had against Portugal on Thursday night, Ogbene, who has made ten appearances for the Blades since arriving at Bramall Lane, had caused plenty of problems for Hungary with his direct running and pace in behind. He had also been combative and aggressive in his approach, winning three fouls, including a first half penalty that was tucked away by Parrott.
Ogbene is an injury doubt for the derby
Starting all but one game since joining the Blades on the final day of the summer transfer window, news of a possible hamstring injury will come as a huge blow to manager Chris Wilder ahead of next Sunday’s Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
The Blades will go into the clash with their neighbours looking to arrest a four-game winless run after defeats to Preston North End, Derby County and Coventry City and a most recently a goalless draw with QPR.
Wilder will be speaking to the media ahead of the clash with the Owls, meaning he should be able to shed more light on Ogbene’s condition later in the week.
As far as the Republic of Ireland are concerned, they went into the clash with Hungary knowing they had to win to secure second spot in Group F at Hungary’s expense. Having found themselves 2-1 down with just over ten minutes to go, it looked as though their hopes of reaching their first World Cup since 2002 were dead and buried, but Parrott had other ideas, scoring with 80 and 96 minutes on the clock to seal an impressive comeback.
He also scored twice in their 2-0 win over Portugal last Thursday night that took their hopes of securing a play-off place down to their final qualifier.