Sander Berge has reportedly suffered a knee injury ahead of Sheffield United’s Premier League opener with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Yorkshire Post reports that Berge was sent home early from international duty with Norway because of the issue.
The midfielder sustained it during his country’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Austria on Friday. It meant Berge missed Monday’s 5-1 triumph over Northern Ireland.
In fact, the 22-year-old is now back with the Blades as they prepare to get their 2020/21 season underway in under a weeks’ time.
Manager Chris Wilder will be hoping his club record signing is available for that first match with Wolves on September 14.
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What Sander Berge injury means for selection
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If Berge is unavailable for next week it leaves Wilder even more short in an area of the pitch where options are already slightly more limited.
Presuming the 52-year-old continue with the 3-5-2 this term that served him so well last time out, Berge is likely to be an important part of that midfield.
Alongside Ollie Norwood and John Fleck, one would imagine he would be included in the preferred trio in the middle against Wolves.
John Lundstram is another option. Latest reports suggest he will remain at Bramall Lane for one more year and leave as a free agent next summer.
Then there is Ben Osborn and Jack Rodwell. Both are versatile players who can feature in defence or midfield.
New signing Ethan Ampadu, who has joined on loan from Chelsea, is another who can play further forward. But, once again, is generally recognised as a centre-back.
Luke Freeman has left the club to join Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan. Meanwhile, after early speculation, attempts to sign Reading’s John Swift appear to have made no recent progress.
Chances are, if Berge isn’t available then Lundstram will fill in. The 26-year-old is certainly a capable deputy. Yet playing Berge would be the preferred choice and without him, midfield options do look a little sparse.
