Sheffield United: Promising update over Anel Ahmedhodzic's injury return ahead of Stoke City clash

Sheffield United are still hopeful of having defender Anel Ahmedhodzic available for their trip to Stoke City this weekend, after the Bosnian defender returned to training.
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Ahmedhodzic has missed United's last two games with a muscle injury that saw him ruled out of his country's games over the international break, with the Blades picking up just one point against Birmingham City and QPR in his absence.

United are yet to win a league game without Ahmedhodzic in the side, compared to seven wins and a draw from the eight when he has been available, and his return would represent a significant boost for Paul Heckingbottom's men as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the Championship table.

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"We're still hoping," Heckingbottom said of Ahmedhodzic's availability for this weekend's game.

"The thing is with Anel, he's kicking some balls today and running round the training pitch. But is it worth the risk?

"It's a muscle injury, are we going to damage it? Regardless of how I'm feeling about the situation, we have to speak together and be sensible."

One of Sheffield United's star men so far this season, Anel Ahmedhodzic picked up an injury just before the international break: SportimageOne of Sheffield United's star men so far this season, Anel Ahmedhodzic picked up an injury just before the international break: Sportimage
One of Sheffield United's star men so far this season, Anel Ahmedhodzic picked up an injury just before the international break: Sportimage

Ahmedhodzic's injury was first revealed by the Bosnia and Herzegovina FA, much to Heckingbottom's annoyance, with a statement from them speculating that the defender would be out for "at least four weeks" with a thigh issue.

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Heckingbottom questioned publicly how the defender's national side would come to such a diagnosis without seeing or scanning the 23-year-old, who did not join up with his international teammates as planned over the last international break for their Nations League games against Montenegro and Romania.

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