Sheffield United's latest Premier League opponents set to be without key performer

Despite learning James Maddison does not require an operation to cure the hip complaint he aggravated during last month’s win over Aston Villa, Brendan Rodgers has suggested this weekend’s game could come too soon for the England international.

“With James, there’s no timeline,” Rodgers told journalists after being asked for an update on Maddison’s progress. “We’re just hoping that gradually he will feel better.”

Like United, who have seen injuries rip the heart out of their squad this term, City have also been affected by fitness issues of late with Ayoze Perez, Jonny Evans, Harvey Barnes and Wes Morgan among those joining Maddison in the treatment room.

Rodgers, whose side are third in the table, is hopeful Perez and Evans will both be available for selection when United travel to the east Midlands. Wilder could welcome back Chris Basham but Jack O’Connell, Sander Berge, John Egan, Jack Rodwell and Jack Robinson are all set to miss out.

“It’s a very frustrating time,” Rodgers said. “He (Maddison) was in great form. He’s a real catalyst for our team. His consistency, having been out in the early part of the season, has been brilliant and it’s developed. So that’s why it’s been very frustrating.”

“The injury he’s had, and the recovery process, is not time driven.,” Rodgers added. “It’s just a case of seeing how things go.”

An important message: Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details at https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports. Your support is much appreciated.