Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom ran through the latest injury situation at the club following last night’s win over Blackpool.
United’s boss has seen a number of players return after the World Cup break in a big boost to the squad. However, there are even more players still to return, including some who’ll feel they deserve a place in the starting XI.
At Blackpool last night, the likes of Oli McBurnie, Ben Osborn, John Egan (suspended), and John Fleck all missed out through various injury problems.
But speaking to the press after the game, Heckingbottom addressed those concerns and admitted that a few could be back in contention for the clash with QPR on Monday.
“Maybe Oli (McBurnie). Ozzie, he’s progressing but we want to make sure we get it right for him and for us,” Hecky said.
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“Rhys and Rhian are further down the line. Izzy (Ismaila Coulibaly) is back on the grass. We want to keep him training for now until we start exposing him to game time. Flecky similar, he’s not on the grass yet. Step by step with him.”
United take on QPR live on Sky on Monday night looking to make it six wins in a row.
Sheff U News View: McBurnie return will be huge for United
Despite being in fine form and playing well, it was abundantly clear last night that United’s attacking options are light right now.
Sharp and Ndiaye toiled all night long but it was telling that Heckingbottom left it until the 87th minute to give Daniel Jebbison any sort of game time.
McBurnie’s return, hopefully, will address this. The big striker was in superb form before the World Cup and him coming back in against QPR will feel like a new signing. Certainly, in such a busy period of fixtures, McBurnie being available will be a massive boost.
United have opened up an 11 point gap to third now. It’s a gap they can’t afford to let slip and a win at Loftus Road will complete a brilliant festive period for the Blades.