Important midfielder Ollie Arblaster will be evaluated over the international break, according to Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. The Blades captain is still out with an ankle injury.
The England under-20 player became ill during practice prior to the team’s home game against Derby County on September 20, and he has missed the last two games for the club.
In regards to a timeline for his absence, Wilder, whose team hosts Swansea City in the Championship on Wednesday night, only stated that he will be watched during the international break in advance of two crucial away games at Middlesbrough and Leeds United, two fierce rivals in Yorkshire.
Before the Swans game, Wilder mentioned nothing new about any likely period of absence and said, “No, not really,” to any new information. Really, it’s week by week.
“Let’s get through the international break and see how it is, leading up to the two big games after the break.
“It’s not really that serious. We have to learn to live with it, and I think we can.
“Sydie Peck entered and performed a role. Jamie Shackleton and Gus (Hamer) can play in there if we want to.
“It’s a tight squad and we have to cope and get over these mini setbacks and show we are not just about one player and the team isn’t reliant on one player, even though he’s an outstanding young player.”
In the meanwhile, Wilder says he will be “extremely disappointed” if the team is charged with a third offence by the Football Association already this season because of what happened during the conclusion of Saturday’s draw against Portsmouth.
Late in stoppage time, United won a free kick; however, referee Matt Donohue called time out with Blades acting captain Vini Souza booked for his objections.
A brief rumpus resulted in a gathering of players, with home goalie Will Norris collapsing to the ground.
United received sanctions earlier in the season for late altercations that occurred during the EFL Cup and Watford matches against Wrexham.
“To be honest, I didn’t understand the Wrexham one,” said Wilder. I really comprehended the Watford example. But if something comes out of the Portsmouth one, I will be sorely disappointed.
“There were two teams competing. It was hardly a combative, tense game. Two teams made a commitment to a tackle.
“I had a conversation with Kevin Friend, who oversees the referees’ work in the Championship. I talked him through it, and we came to some conclusions about the foul and the players’ questions about why he blew up at minute ninety-five when we thought we should have been given an extra.
“We talked over that. I didn’t like the reaction of the goalkeeper, I’ve got to admit that I’d be dissatisfied if any of my players did that.
However, I didn’t believe that it was empty at all. There were two incredibly dedicated teams. Afterward, I spoke with Captain Marlon Pack of Portsmouth; there was no problem.
“I had a beer and chatted with Jon Harley and manager John Mousinho with them. It wasn’t a malicious, over-the-top game.
