Sheffield United's latest opponents enjoy selection boost

The former Olympiacos winger flew home for personal reasons last month and, because of guidelines introduced following the Covid-19 pandemic, entered quarantine after arriving back in England.

Podence, who has since tested negative for the respiratory disease, is now available for selection at Bramall Lane having missed Wolves’ defeat by Arsenal last weekend.

But visiting manager Nuno Espirito Santo could be without his compatriot Pedro Neto, who received what was described as a “strong kick” during the meeting with Mikel Arteta’s side.

“We did what we had to do,” Santos, referring to Podence’s enforced period of isolation, said. “The moment he returned he went to his home.

“He tested two times negative and can join us. There's a law which allows this situation and he will probably join us. It's very positive because we need all the players.”

Podence, who cost £17m when he moved to Molineux in January, has yet to start a Premier League match since leaving Piraeus.

United are also considering changes to the side which drew 1-1 with Burnley on Sunday - a result which saw them climb to within four points of sixth-placed Wolves in the table. Defender Jack O’Connell could be named in the starting eleven after recovering from injury, while Jack Rodwell could replace Chris Basham at centre-half as Chris Wilder attempts to keep his players fresh despite the hectic fixture schedule.

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