Sheffield United Boss Makes Fitness Admission Ahead of Preston Trip
Sheffield United travel to Lancashire on Tuesday evening to face a struggling Preston North End side at Deepdale, with Chris Wilder’s men looking to build on Friday night’s victory over Wrexham and continue their climb up the Championship table.
The Blades head into the midweek encounter in encouraging form after recording a 1-0 victory against Phil Parkinson’s side at Bramall Lane. Romelle Donovan was particularly impressive, while United also managed to secure a valuable clean sheet, giving Wilder plenty of positives to take into the next fixture.
That result leaves United just three points adrift of the play-off places, making Tuesday’s contest another important opportunity to close the gap on the sides above them.
However, they will face a Preston team desperately searching for a response after another disappointing weekend.
Graham Alexander’s side find themselves in serious trouble at the foot of the Championship table, having collected just five points from their opening 13 matches. Stoke City inflicted their tenth defeat of the campaign at the weekend, leaving Preston with a significant amount of work to do if they are to avoid becoming increasingly detached from the teams above them.
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Preston could be without former Sheffield United defender Harry Clarke and Liam Gibbs for Tuesday night’s encounter, which would represent a potential boost for the travelling Blades.
The home side are already struggling for results, and any additional absentees would make Alexander’s task even more difficult as he looks to find a way of getting his team back on track.
For United, Wilder has a few selection decisions to make, particularly regarding the fitness of Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford.
Phillips took a knock during Friday night’s victory over Wrexham, with the midfielder requiring careful management as United navigate a busy period of fixtures.
However, there was encouraging news from Wilder, who confirmed that the swelling had subsided and that the former England international had been working individually ahead of the trip to Lancashire.
Chris Wilder Provides Sheffield United Fitness Details
Speaking ahead of the game in his pre-match press conference, Wilder provided an update on the midfielder’s condition.
“We’ve got to have tough boys, mentally and physically, something was said by Liam [Kitching] after about an hour that picked up on in an interview afterwards, but Kalvin [Phillips] came through the game, and the swelling has calmed down.
“He didn’t train on Sunday, but did some work in the gym, so fingers crossed he will be fit for Tuesday.”
Bamford is another player whose involvement remains uncertain. The striker has been dealing with a shoulder problem but has stepped up his work on the training pitch in recent days. Wilder confirmed that his availability would be a late decision, meaning United could have to wait until closer to kick-off to discover whether he will return to the matchday squad.
“Pat has got a bit of an issue with his shoulder; he’s worked outside in the last couple of days so that’ll be a late decision,” Wilder explained.
Bamford’s potential return would give United another attacking option, particularly after Jordan Ayew impressed against Wrexham.
The experienced forward delivered an excellent performance on Friday evening, providing the Blades with an important focal point and demonstrating his ability to lead the line.
Wilder was full of praise for the Ghanaian international, making it clear that his age is not something he even considers.
“Jordan was outstanding on Friday night, I don’t look at his age, I look at him physically and mentally, watch how he trains and plays and his performance levels have been excellent when he’s been on the pitch for us.”
Ayew’s recent performances could make it difficult for Bamford to walk straight back into the starting XI, even if the latter is passed fit.
Meanwhile, Joe Rothwell is another potential absentee after picking up a groin problem ahead of the Wrexham fixture. Wilder confirmed that his withdrawal was precautionary, but United will need to assess whether the midfielder is ready to return for the trip to Deepdale.
The manager also offered a positive update on Jairo Riedewald, who could be handed an opportunity should Rothwell miss out.
“If Joe misses out, then Jairo has trained really well and has been unfortunate, he’s a super pro and has been unfortunate, he’s a super pro and if that opportunity opens up for him if Joe isn’t involved then we remain strong.”
Sheffield United will head to Preston North End in good nick, looking to extend their current unbeaten run to four games.
