Sheffield United’s already depleted squad has taken a further blow with news that John Fleck will be missing through injury for a period of time.
Fleck went off with what looked like a knock in pre-season but that ‘knock’ now appears to be far worse.
Paul Heckingbottom had already said that the Scotland midfielder wouldn’t be fit for this weekend’s clash with Stuttgart and according to Alan Nixon, the news is even worse than first feared.
Writing on his Patreon account just now, Nixon has confirmed that Fleck has once again suffered a fracture to his leg.
The injury is similar to that which kept Fleck out of action for a lot of last season. And after awarding the Scot a new deal in the summer, it’s a bitter blow to Heckingbottom’s plans.
The Blades are alright light in midfield and have only Oli Norwood, Sander Berge, Ben Osborn and Anis Slimane as recognised midfielders right now.
Oliver Arblaster has been let out on loan, and there is little in the way of new signings coming either, barring Auston Trusty from Arsenal.
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There was already a small budget for signings anyway and we’ve just sold Iliman Ndiaye for nigh on £20m so Heckingbottom needs that money putting back in the squad ASAP.
The injury to Fleck isn’t a nightmare in terms of the first XI but it’s not great when it comes to the squad.
Fleck might not have been at his best for some time but he remains an experienced head and one of the players who does have PL experience.
United need new recruits and they need them fast.