The Blades could be without Enda Stevens for a week or so after the Irish left wing-back picked up a calf injury during the draw with Brighton at the weekend.
However, with Ireland boss, Mick McCarthy, confirming the injury is nothing serious, it appears Stevens won’t miss much – if any – Premier League action.
Enda Stevens picked up a minor injury against Brighton this past weekend. (Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Ben Osborn came on and did well in Stevens’ place against the Seagulls. The former Nottingham Forest man impressing at wing-back and showing that there is someone ready to step in should Steven miss a long period.
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But given the nature of the injury and how it looks like being nothing more than a niggle, it appears the injury for Stevens couldn’t be better timed for the Blades.
Why Enda Stevens’ injury is as well-timed as it can be for the Blades
The run of fixtures coming up means that any short-term injuries occurring now won’t have too big of an impact. The Blades have just under a week until their next fixture.
That comes in the FA Cup with a trip to Reading. It’s a fixture that, although Chris Wilder will want to win, will likely see the Blades make changes to the first XI. It goes without saying, then, that Stevens may well have been rested anyway.
Stevens has been in fine form for the Blades this season, scoring two goals. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Furthermore, the next Premier League fixture is against table-propping Norwich City. On paper, if there was a game for Stevens to miss, then it would be a home clash against the league’s bottom club.
All in all, it looks like the injury to Enda Stevens has been well-time. Of course, no injury is ideal and United would rather have their key players fit at all times.
But if Stevens can simply work in his recovery, it might well prove a blessing in disguise and give the Irishman a well-earned rest.
