Sheffield United fans will be pleased to know there is a chance that former striker, Gary Madine, might not be fit for Blackpool this weekend.
Madine got off the mark last weekend as Blackpool saw off Watford. The 32-year-old is still competing at Championship level, having scored nine goals last season for the Seasiders. Of course, Madine is known well in both halves of Sheffield. Formerly of Sheffield Wednesday, Madine made a surprising move to United under Chris Wilder, when he helped the Blades to promotion to the Premier League.
Much like any old player returning to Bramall Lane, Madine will be seen by many Blades fans as a near certainty to score. However, according to the Blackpool Gazette, he might not even get the chance to play.
Quoting manager Michael Appleton, the Gazette reports how a groin injury suffered against Watford means Madine’s participation this weekend is under threat.
“He’s got a little bit of an issue with his groin, he was feeling it at half-time,” Appleton said.
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“But because of the way he competes and gets around the pitch he will pick up little knocks and niggles. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious and we can get him back out on the pitch next week for the Sheffield United game.”
Sheff U News View: Madine Actually Suits John Egan And Sheffield United
As good as John Egan is for Sheffield United, he much prefers playing against a striker who very much stands their ground and won’t run in behind. Egan’s reading of the game allows him to get the better of most strikers who does this, albeit Keinan Davis did cause him problems last season for Forest.
For Madine, him not playing is a blow for Blackpool. Despite his limits, he is still a handful and even if Egan fancies the battle, his height makes him a threat from set-pieces.
United fans, meanwhile, will hope Madine doesn’t play. Certain players just bring that feeling of ‘he’s going to score’ and if anyone will follow through on it, it’s Gary Madine.