Enda Stevens is the only injury doubt for Sheffield United this weekend, reports Yorkshire Live.
Stevens was forced off during the 1-0 win against Norwich City last time out with a re-occurrence of his calf injury.
The left-back had missed the previous FA Cup victory over Reading with the problem. However, Stevens appeared to have recovered enough to feature against Norwich.
Yet the 29-year-old is clearly not 100 percent fit.
But Stevens’ international manager, Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy, has given a positive update on the defender.
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The Irish Examiner reports that the Blades ace will be included in McCarthy’s squad this Friday for the upcoming Euro 2020 playoff with Slovakia.
Both Stevens and James McLean were doubts.
“They are both confident they will be fit for the playoff and that’s good to hear,” McCarthy said.
Is Stevens an injury doubt for Sheffield United this weekend?
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While the full-back might be able to play for his country, that does not necessarily mean he will be ready for United’s next outing.
They travel to Newcastle United on Saturday in the Premier League. That is followed by their FA Cup quarter-final with Arsenal.
Both of these fixtures precede Ireland’s playoff match, which isn’t set to be played until March 26.
If Stevens is indeed absent then it is likely that Ben Osborn will be recalled to take his place at left wing-back. Osborn has found opportunities fairly limited since his summer switch from Nottingham Forest.
The 25-year-old even admitted he underestimated the quality at Bramall Lane and thought he would get more game time.
Yet when called upon he has been an able deputy for Stevens and appears to fit Chris Wilder’s system well. It was Osborn’s cross that lead to the opener in the recent 2-1 win at Reading.
With an important run-in coming up after the international break, perhaps it wouldn’t be wise to rush Stevens back.
