Wilder hopes Sheffield United star will return for next game

Chris Wilder expects Kalvin Phillips to be available for Sheffield United’s midweek trip to Portsmouth despite missing their 3-0 win over Lincoln City.

The on-loan Manchester City midfielder was left out after feeling tightness in his adductor, with Wilder opting not to take any risks.

Asked whether the problem was serious, Wilder said: “No, nothing. He just picked up some over the last couple of days.

“I think if we were going into last month of the season, then he would have played.

“But we’re not going into last month of the season and we understand Kalvin’s injury situation that he’s had, so no need.

“He will be fit to travel down to Portsmouth on Tuesday afternoon.”

Wilder added that Phillips had trained before the Lincoln game and could have featured if required.

“Kalvin could have played today,” he said.

“I just made that decision. He just felt some tightness in his adductor.

“He trained yesterday and I just decided that it wasn’t worth the risk.”