Sheffield United star set to make his return at West Ham

The Republic of Ireland international’s absence against Dean Holden’s side was a surprise, after Chris Wilder confirmed he had received the all-clear to participate following a calf problem.

But as preparations for the visit to east London began in earnest, Wilder described Stevens as being “back with us” - suggesting he already features in United’s plans for the Premier League fixture.

“It’s good news about Enda, that’s he’s back with us,” Wilder confirmed. “He’s an important player and we need all our important players, or as many of them as possible, to be available from here on in.”

“It’s good to have Enda available to us again,” continued Wilder, “Because of the qualities he brings, and the experience too.”

Although Billy Sharp’s second-half penalty saw them reach the quarter-finals of the knockout competition for a second season in a row, United have found results in the league much harder to come by this term. Bottom of the table and 12 points adrift of safety - only seven months after finishing the previous campaign in ninth - Wilder insists an “unprecedented” catalogue of injuries have contributed to United’s recent struggles. Although Ben Osborn and Oli McBurnie recently returned to fitness, Wilder is still without influential centre-half Jack O’Connell and midfielder Sander Berge; a £22m signing from Belgian club Genk.

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