Chris Wilder has outlined Sheffield United’s probable plan to address a squad issue caused by the club’s January transfer activity.

However, EFL rules dictate that fitting all four loanees into the team, along with their current cohort, may entail leaving someone out.

When asked how he and his backroom staff intend to tackle the issue, Wilder shared a few alternatives the club is currently considering.

Sheffield United’s team struggles with EFL rules.

According to league rules, clubs can only list a maximum of 25 players over the age of 21, with loanees of any age contributing toward that limit.

The addition of Rothwell on deadline day increased the Blades’ current squad size to 26, which means someone will have to be dropped out ahead of the Thursday deadline for submitting an updated roster list.

That’s not all; the additions of Hjelde, Hoever, and Phillips bring United’s loan total to six, with a maximum of five allowed in a single matchday squad.

It means that not only will one player be dropped from the squad entirely, but at least one loanee will be forced to sit out every week of Championship action.

How Chris Wilder intends to deal with the squad registration issue

According to The Star, Wilder stated: “We’ll possibly look into [deregistering a player].”

“The window is still open [in some nations], so there may be a possibility for one or two to go out.

“We’ll also look at the injury list to see where we are, but it won’t be till late. Maybe it’ll just be one, and that one might leave as well.

While the international transfer window may provide a solution to the Thursday squad submission dilemma, the loanee issue will most likely have to be addressed on a weekly basis, depending on fitness and Wilder’s preferences.

Chris Wilder is pleased with the Blades’ January business.

Except for a minor administrative difficulty ahead of Monday night’s match against promotion contenders Middlesbrough, the Blades manager is delighted with his winter business.

“We worked hard to get in Leo, who covers centre-half and left-back,” stated the player. “We tracked Joe, and we discussed Kalvin a long time ago.

“We are currently well-stocked in all areas. We have competitors on the left, right, and in the middle.

“The center section is now very robust. I’m excited to work with Joe, and I believe that his and Kalvin’s additions to the group will provide a significant boost.

“They’re humble boys, but they’ve had fabulous careers, and they’re winners.”

Hjelde has already made his Blades debut, appearing for six minutes in the team’s 3-1 victory over Oxford United, but Rothwell and Phillips have yet to play.

The former Rangers player has not featured since a cup match against Celtic at the beginning of November, with Phillips’ last appearance for Manchester City dating back even further, to a seven-minute outing against Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup.

Both will be eager to go on the pitch on Monday night, and given Wilder’s description of their arrival, neither will be willing to miss out due to EFL restrictions at this point.