Sheffield United keep a check on striker's situation ahea of trip to Southampton

Mousset missed last weekend’s defeat by Leicester City after suffering an ankle injury in training, less than a fortnight after taking part in his first full contact session since recovering from toe surgery.

The Frenchman’s absence was a source of major frustration for Chris Wilder and his coaching staff, with the manager describing him as a potential “game changer” in the battle for Premier League survival.

United remained at the bottom of the table, and without a win this season, when they conceded a last minute winner against Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Mousset, aged 24, has not started a competitive fixture for five months after being granted permission to return home to address a personal issue before the end of the 2019/20 campaign. He was forced to go under the knife when it emerged he had damaged a tendon during a warm-up fixture against Preston North End, but appeared as a late substitute during last month’s to West Bromwich Albion.

United are expected to provide an update - and an exact diagnosis - of Mousset’s condition later this week. But it is believed the injury, despite being serious enough to force him out of the clash with City, is unlikely to warrant another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Mousset, previously of AFC Bournemouth, scored five times during an explosive 10 game run at the beginning of last season before a series of fitness issues hampered his progress.

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