Sheffield United star’s “warrior” vow to fans despite “freak” situation hampering survival bid

Oli McBurnie has reassured Sheffield United supporters that he and his “warrior” teammates will continue to “give everything” despite a “freak” injury situation that is severely hampering their fitness bid. McBurnie is one of 13 senior players currently injured, with a groin issue threatening his availability for this weekend’s trip to Arsenal.

United’s injury crisis has worsened in recent weeks, with John Egan, Tom Davies and Chris Basham ruled out for the long-term within the space of a week. Paul Heckingbottom then lost another defender in Anel Ahmedhodzic before last weekend’s Manchester United defeat, which saw McBurnie limp off five minutes into the second half after dragging his side level in the first.

It is a situation unlike any that McBurnie has experienced in his career to date, with question marks being raised amongst supporters as to why United’s injury record is so poor. Speaking recently, Heckingbottom pointed to the speed of the game at Premier League level, as well as the length of added time played after the league’s timewasting directive in the summer, as big factors, placing extra stress on his players’ bodies.

An expensive new pitch at United’s training ground has failed to halt soft tissue injuries picked up away from game-day and whatever the reason, it is a situation the Blades simply have to rectify if they are to have any chance of remaining in the Premier League this season.

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“I’ve never experienced it before and the injuries, they’re so freak,” McBurnie admitted. “Out of the blue; a lot aren’t muscle injuries. Just random ones and no-one has a clue why they’re happening. TD [Davies] is just getting back to fitness and looking so good in training, the boys are excited to get him involved, and then that happens. Egs just goes up for a header, Bash just lands funny... when your luck’s out, it’s out.

“But one thing I love about this club and this team is that it’s a team full of men. I look around and there are warriors around me, there are boys who are with me 100 per cent and will stick together no matter the circumstances or the situation. I think you saw that [against Man United]. The boys are giving everything and no-one can say otherwise. We’ll keep giving everything until we make it work.”