Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has given an update on defender John Egan, who is reportedly self-isolating because of Covid-19.
It’s not believed Egan has tested positive, but came into close contact with someone who did while on international duty.
The 27-year-old was one of four Republic of Ireland players who had to quarantine because a teammate had a positive test. The others were former Blade Callum Robinson, Alan Browne and Callum O’Dowda.
Egan played no part in the Nations League matches with Wales and Finland as a result.
It means the Irishman is a doubt for United’s Premier League match with Fulham on Sunday.
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“We have a couple of injury issues with boys from international duty and a potential issue with one of our players (Egan),” Wilder said in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by Yorkshire Live.
“I can’t confirm or deny if he (Egan) will be available. We are speaking to the authorities.”
John Egan Covid-19 issues and other injuries
(Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Egan isn’t the only Blades player who has come back from international duty with an issue.
Oli Burke was sent back to Bramall Lane early by Scotland boss Steve Clarke after apparently picking up a knock. Fellow Scot John Fleck is also a doubt for the weekend. Fleck came off in the second half of Sunday’s Nations League win over Slovakia.
Meanwhile, Egan’s Ireland teammate David McGoldrick also suffered injury while away and could be out for the game against the Cottagers.
If all four are unavailable it seriously depletes Wilder’s options as United seek their first points of the season.
Jack O’Connell is already set to miss the rest of the 2020/21 campaign after having a knee operation. Lys Mousset is also a long-term absentee because of a foot injury.
