Why Sheffield United were forced to make a change up front against Chelsea

Oli McBurnie was omitted from Sheffield United’s starting eleven against Chelsea because of a bout of tonsillitis, manager Chris Wilder explained.
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McBurnie was diagnosed with the condition following last month’s defeat by Manchester City and, after being forced to isolate from his team mates, was named on the bench for the visit to Stamford Bridge.

David McGoldrick, the Scotland international’s replacement, opened the scoring before Frank Lamoard’s side hit four without reply to leave Wilder’s men still searching for their first win of the new campaign.

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Jack O’Connell (knee), John Fleck (back) and Lys Mousset (toe) also missed out through injury, with Wilder revealing his selections had been further complicated by McBurnie’s health issue.

Oli McBurnie of Sheffield United (R) turns Timo Werner of Chelsea during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: 7th November 2020. Picture credit should read: David Klein/SportimageOli McBurnie of Sheffield United (R) turns Timo Werner of Chelsea during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: 7th November 2020. Picture credit should read: David Klein/Sportimage
Oli McBurnie of Sheffield United (R) turns Timo Werner of Chelsea during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: 7th November 2020. Picture credit should read: David Klein/Sportimage

“Oli would have played but he had a bout of tonsillitis that kept him away from the club for a few days,” Wilder said. “He was ill and that meant he couldn’t be out there right from the start.”

Although O’Connell could be absent until the summer after undergoing surgery to cure a long-standing complaint, Fleck and Mousset returned to training on Tuesday and could, depending upon the speed if their progress during the international break, be in line for returns when West Ham travel to South Yorkshire later this month. Medical staff are scheduled to assess the duo over the coming fortnight, before a final decision is taken on their involvement against David Moyes’ side.

"They are game-changers for us,” Wilder said. “We’ll be delighted to have them back but we can’t risk losing them for longer either.”