Chris Wilder targeting major Sheffield United injury boosts after international break
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder could welcome some key players back on the other side on the international break.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is hopeful the Blades’ injury situation will improve ahead of their Championship clash with Lincoln City on the other side of the international break.
United signed off for the first pause of the season on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium. Late goals from Jack McGlynn and Sam Gallagher flipped the game in the home side’s favour after Kalvin Phillips had earlier given the Blades the lead.
The defeat in Staffordshire marked United’s fourth defeat in their last five matches across all competitions, meaning the mood around Bramall Lane is gloomy heading into a lengthy hiatus that will span three weeks.
Manager Chris Wilder has attempted to defend the current situation, insisting he was pleased with his side’s performances in their recent defeats to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke, but there is no doubt that United need to start getting some wins on the board on the other side of the break, starting against Lincoln at Bramall Lane on October 10.
The Blades chief hopes to have a crop of key players back following the pause, such as Sam McCallum, who has missed the last two games after being on the receiving end of a nasty challenge against Wolves, Femi Seriki, Harrison Burrows and Ryan Oné. Tahith Chong may also be under consideration to start the clash with the Imps after stepping off the bench against Stoke to make his first appearance since the 0-0 draw with Birmingham City last month.
Asked if he is confident the four aforementioned players will be available for the restart in just under three weeks' time, Wilder said: “Yes, we are, and Sam back as well.
“We won't play them if we feel it's a risk, but we like to think all four of them will be up for selection, which obviously is a big boost to us.”
Seriki, who was excellent for much of last season, has been absent since the Carabao Cup second-round triumph over Blackburn Rovers due to a knee injury, while Oné has not featured since producing an impressive cameo against Birmingham on the opening day of the Championship campaign because of a hamstring problem.