The latest Sheffield United injury news is not good with Chris Basham and Billy Sharp both ruled for at least the next two matches.
Blades manager Chris Wilder has confirmed that Basham and Sharp will play no part in the two games over the Easter weekend.
Billy Sharp & Chris Basham will miss the Bank Holiday games, Chris Wilder confirms. #sufc #twitterblades
— James Shield (@JamesShield1) April 17, 2019
CW: “We’ll see how they are after that. Short-term, they’re out.” #sufc #twitterblades
— James Shield (@JamesShield1) April 17, 2019
Both players picked up hamstring injuries in the recent 1-1 draw with Millwall and now the worst fears for fans have been confirmed.
Neither Basham or Sharp will feature in this Friday’s home match with Nottingham Forest or the away trip to Hull City on Monday.
Wilder’s reluctance to give a longer prognosis is also concerning. Hamstring injuries can rule players out for up to eight weeks depending on their severity.
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If that is the case then Basham and Sharp would play no further part this season – including in the playoffs should United not achieve automatic promotion.
What now?
(Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
Wilder has some decisions to make in defence ahead of the visit of Forest to Bramall Lane. Not only is Basham unavailable, but John Egan is also suspended after being shown a straight red card against Millwall.
Wilder does have fellow centre-backs Martin Cranie and Richard Stearman to call on, while Enda Stevens has filled in to great effect in the position recently.
However, moving Stevens into central defence would remove his potency going forwards from left wing-back. Plus, that would probably also see Middlesbrough loanee Marvin Johnson replacing him on the left flank. That might not be the best choice as Johnson was arguably directly at fault for two goals during the 3-2 home defeat to Bristol City.
Although Sharp is the captain and top scorer, replacing him upfront is less of an issue. David McGoldrick has 13 Championship goals this campaign, while loan duo Scott Hogan and Gary Madine have also found their scoring boots in recent times.
