Sheffield United sweating on the fitness of key duo

Oli McBurnie and Sander Berge will be given “every chance” to declare themselves fit for tomorrow’s visit to Brighton and Hove Albion, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has admitted, despite confirming he is preparing to be without both at the AMEX Stadium.
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Berge, described by Wilder as “our best player of the season so far” following Thursday’s game against Manchester United, is receiving treatment for a hamstring problem sustained at the beginning of that fixture. McBurnie, who sat out the defeat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side altogether, has made progress in his battle to overcome a shoulder issue but is still yet to resume full training.

Although Wilder believes there is a possibility McBurnie’s injury could heal before the midday kick-off, he accepted the likelihood of Berge featuring is slim. Medical staff were still assessing the Norwegian at United’s Steelphalt Academy yesterday, with Wilder expected to receive their diagnosis shortly.

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“Both Oli and Sander will be doubtful,” he said. “But Oli has got more chance than Sander.

Oli McBurnie hopes to be fit for Sheffield United's Premier League game at Brighton and Hove Albion: Simon Bellis/SportimageOli McBurnie hopes to be fit for Sheffield United's Premier League game at Brighton and Hove Albion: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Oli McBurnie hopes to be fit for Sheffield United's Premier League game at Brighton and Hove Albion: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

“Sander is extremely doubtful and Oli, we’ll give him every chance. We’ll give them both every chance.”

Asked if Berge is facing the prospect of missing the entire Christmas period, which will be crucial to United’s hopes of avoiding relegation after losing 12 of their last 13 games, Wilder replied: “Out for the year? No, not if I think he’s got a slight chance of facing Brighton. These things don’t usually turnaround in a few days though, so we’re just going to have to see.”