Sheffield United ready to get tough in the battle to keep their squad sharp

Sheffield United’s players will be fined £500 if they miss one of the ‘virtual’ training sessions the club has introduced to ensure Chris Wilder’s squad stays fit until the Premier League decides it is safe for the season to restart following the coronavirus crisis.
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With no games set to take place until April 30 at the earliest - although that date is expected to be rolled back next week - Wilder’s team have spent the past week working at home following the closure of the Steelphalt Academy complex.

Although Wilder has paid tribute to their professionalism on numerous occasions, Oliver Norwood revealed coaching staff have warned anyone who fails to adhere to the gruelling programme United’s conditioning department has devised will be punished.

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“We trained until Monday afternoon,” the midfielder said. “Since then, we’ve been sent home with heart monitors, wattbikes, treadmills and we have to check in three times a day.

Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder gestures on the touchline: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty ImagesSheffield United's manager Chris Wilder gestures on the touchline: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images
Sheffield United's manager Chris Wilder gestures on the touchline: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images

“All the stuff’s recorded on your mobile and it goes straight to the fitness coach. It registers everything so there’s no hiding place.”

“We did one (simulated bike ride) that was like the Tour de France,” Norwood added. “it was an hour and 15 minutes long.

“We could be waiting six weeks, we could be waiting six months, so we have to be ready.”

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Seventh in the table with 10 matches remaining, United have been without a game since the start of this month. They were also preparing for an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal when the PL, in tandem with the Football Association and the English Football League, decided to suspend the fixture calendar due to the global pandemic.