Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has lamented various injuries and illnesses among his players in the lead-up to their midweek match against Norwich City, admitting that players have been “dropping like flies” during the last 24-48 hours.
On Tuesday evening, the Blades relinquished two points at home to the relegation-threatened Canaries at Bramall Lane, ending a run of four consecutive triumphs.
Danny Ings put the hosts ahead early in the second half, but Djibril Soumare’s 65th-minute own goal ensured a draw in the Steel City.
Norwich would have been upset not to have taken all three points, as replacement Amankwah Forson squandered a glorious opportunity in the dying minutes of the game, with Blades keeper Michael Cooper stepping in to tip his low effort wide.
Sheffield United currently sits 17th in the second-tier league, and the turnaround won’t be any easier with a trip to The Hawthorns on Friday night to play an out-of-sorts West Brom team.
Sheffield United’s focus is now on recovery as they prepare to face the Baggies, but considering Wilder’s concerns about some of the players’ fitness, they may only be able to bring a limited team.
Chris Wilder makes “dropping like flies” statement on Sheffield United players’ absences.
According to Yahoo Sport, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder was frustrated by a number of his players’ injuries and illnesses prior to their match against the Canaries.
He observed players “dropping like flies,” prompting the Blades manager to make eight changes following their 4-0 victory over Stoke City.
Wilder stated: “I’ve got to say, personally for myself and the coaches, it’s arguably one of the most difficult last 24-48 hours that we’ve had. Players are dropping out like flies.
“I believe you are always aware that as a manager, every action you make is under scrutiny. One of the decisions I made today for the team selection was not tactical, but rather physical.
“I believe they should have won it. But you have to give the opposition credit. They started off brighter than us.
“We started to get back in the game and generated some nice chances, putting ourselves ahead. I can’t fault the players’ attitude or their effort in trying to win the game.
“We would have liked to continue the winning streak, but we didn’t. We need to reset and go again Friday (against West Brom) to see who’s available.”
Sheffield United’s squad could be strained for the West Brom trip.
The Sheffield United teamsheet was released prior to kickoff against Norwich City, with only Michael Cooper, Japhet Tanganga, and Femi Seriki keeping their spots from the previous weekend’s victory against Stoke.
Notable absentees included Mark McGuinness, Sydie Peck, Sam McCallum, Jairo Riedweald, and Ben Mee.
So many forced changes must have confused and fractured the playing squad in a game where they were supposed to gain three points, which will be difficult for Chris Wilder to accept when they should have continued their winning streak.
One encouraging note was that Ollie Arblaster made his first start in a Blades shirt in almost a year, and his presence back among the ranks will be critical for Sheffield United’s continued progress up the second-tier table.
However, with only two days until another matchday against Ryan Mason’s West Brom, there are serious doubts over whether several of the players who missed out tonight will return to the Black Country, perhaps leaving the Blades with a similar lineup to the one they selected against Norwich.
It’s a difficult phase for Wilder to deal with as the Championship games come thick and fast, but he must keep his team humming over with points to avoid derailing the excellent momentum they’ve built recently.
xz
