Former Sheffield United midfielder, Mark Duffy, has taken to Twitter to give an injury update on Blades midfielder, John Fleck.
Fleck missed the trip to Luton Town last night and Paul Heckingbottom confirmed after the game the Scottish star had indeed suffered a fracture in his leg. Heckingbottom noted the club are looking at months rather than weeks when it comes to Fleck’s return.
However, contrary to Heckingbottom’s comments after the 1-1 draw, Duffy tweeted out during the game that he’d actually spoken to Fleck and the midfielder was hoping to make a swift return to action.
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Whether or not Heckingbottom’s or Duffy’s assessment is spot on remains to be seen. Fleck will simply be guided by the medical team and leg fractures can be a case of healing quickly or taking their time to get completely right.
Of course, it is a huge blow to lose Fleck at this stage of the season, especially with so many other injuries already piling up at Bramall Lane. Fleck was just starting to motor on a bit but his absence will give the likes of Tommy Doyle and James McAtee the chance to step up.
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It was clear last night that young McAtee is going to take some time to adjust to the Championship. He looked a tad lost at Luton and there’ll be other nights for him.
However, fellow City youngster Doyle came into the game and looked more than assured. Doyle pushed forward when he could and alongside Ollie Norwood looked comfortable in the middle of the park. Certainly, of the two, Doyle seemed to be the one staking a claim for replace Fleck.
It’s going to be a big few months for United. Having made such a fine start it’s now time to build and while Fleck’s loss will be felt, it does open a door for those new faces to make an impression.
