Kalvin Phillips, who joined Sheffield United on loan, has not played for the Blades since their 2-1 win over local rivals Sheffield Wednesday last month.

Phillips was sent off at Bramall Lane that afternoon and received a three-match suspension.

However, the midfielder has been unable to return due to a knee injury, and Sheffield United have only won once in their last five efforts.

The Blades wanted to rebound from Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Norwich City, but drew 1-1 with Birmingham City on Saturday.

Chris Wilder’s side will be satisfied with their draw at St Andrew’s, despite Femi Seriki was sent off with the score still 0-0.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder opens up about Kalvin Phillips’ pay while providing an injury update.

Phillips has struggled for playing time at his parent club, Manchester City, and had wanted to restart his career by joining the Blades on loan.

The former Leeds United player had disappointing loan experiences with Ipswich Town and West Ham United in the previous two Premier League seasons.

As a result, the knee injury he sustained while playing for the Blades is a significant disappointment for the England international.

Concerning Phillips’ setback, Wilder told the Sheffield Star: “He had a relatively small knee clean-up procedure, so we’re expecting him to come back after the international break. “It was a straightforward challenge against Sheffield Wednesday.”He’s a fantastic character and player, but he won’t be ready until after the international break. “We hope to see him in a Sheffield United shirt by the end of the season.”Just so everyone knows, we are not paying him the full wage while he is recovering. Stephen Bettis, the football club’s CEO, executed a fantastic arrangement that benefits the team in multiple ways.Also, he passed a medical, so we didn’t sign a guy who is wounded before everything is revealed.”

The international break covers the last weekend of the month, therefore Wilder’s statements suggest that Phillips might return for the Blades as early as Easter weekend.

Wilder’s men face Swansea City on Good Friday before traveling to Bristol City on Easter Monday, while Phillips hopes to get as much game time as possible before the season concludes in early May.

Kalvin Phillips suffers yet another setback amid deteriorating career.

The former Leeds player was regarded as one of England’s top midfielders while playing for the Whites in the Premier League, having previously won the Championship with the Elland Road club.

Phillips was a key player for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, who advanced to the 2021 European Championship final before losing to Italy on penalties.

However, the 31-cap England international has only made 31 appearances for Manchester City since his move from Elland Road in 2022.

He intended to get his career back on track when he joined West Ham on loan in 2024, but he struggled at the Hammers, appearing in only 10 games.

Phillips was unable to avoid Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League to the Championship last season.

Phillips’ latest injury setback with Sheffield United will be remembered as yet another tragic occurrence in a career that has failed to live up to its potential.