Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says striker will make his presence felt soon

Brewster, whose first start for United came against his former club Liverpool last month, is expected to spearhead United’s attack when they face Chelsea - where he spent seven years as a youth team player - on Saturday.

After losing six and drawing one of their first seven games this term, United are relying heavily on Brewster to deliver the goals required to lift them out of the danger zone. But due to the protracted nature of his move from Anfield, Wilder acknowledges the 20-year-old is yet to reach peak fitness after being excused from senior duty by Jurgen Klopp as he negotiated his record breaking move to Bramall Lane.

“We’d like him to be in a better condition” Wilder said. “He’s still in between us, where we’d like him to be, and the under-23’s if you know what I mean because that’s where he was getting his football while things were getting done.

“But he’s working hard and, because he’s got the right attitude, he’ll get there really soon.”

Brewster became the most expensive player in United’s history when he left the reigning champions before the end of the summer transfer window, commanding a fee which could rise to £23.5m and signing a contract until 2025.

After appearing as a second-half substitute when Fulham visited South Yorkshire three weeks ago, Brewster made his full United debut against Klopp’s side before facing Manchester City last weekend.

Wilder accepted that facing Liverpool so soon after leaving will have been a surreal experience for the youngster, but does not expect the trip to Stamford Bridge to prove as psychologically challenging. Brewster left west London, aged just 14, in 2015.

“It’s not always comfortable going back, unless there’s a bit of angst between you and your old club,” Wilder said. “But Rhi loved his period there (Liverpool) so obviously it was going to be a difficult evening. He’s come through it though and will be better for the experience.”

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