Sheffield United wait for news on striker before naming their FA Cup squad

Although the centre-forward is unlikely to be risked in the starting eleven should he receive the all-clear, Chris Wilder could choose to hand him a brief run-out against the visitors from Home Park should the Premier League club’s physiotherapy department grant permission.

McBurnie has been absent since Boxing Day after aggravating a shoulder injury, but returned to light non-contact training earlier this month. After being forced to name an under-strength bench for United’s recent meetings with Burnley, Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur, being able to call upon McBurnie’s services would provide Wilder with a much-needed boost ahead of next week’s trip to Manchester United.

“Because of the nature of the problem, it’s difficult to predict exactly how long it will take for Oli to get back,” the United manager explained following the defeat by Spurs, which left his team 11 points adrift of safety. “He’s working hard, really putting everything in, but you never really know until they start doing full contact - the real physical stuff.

“What I will say, though, is that Oli is doing everything he possibly can to get back out there and he’s close.”

United, who progressed to the fourth round after beating Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium, are also waiting to discover if McBurnie’s fellow striker Lys Mousset is available to face Argyle. The Frenchman missed the clash with Spurs after picking -up a knock following United’s win over Newcastle.

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