Sheffield United’s injury situation is looking up as manager Chris Wilder outlined a careful reintegration plan for returning key players.
This could give the Blades a welcome boost ahead of this weekend’s trip to Charlton Athletic.
Sydie Peck’s return to the squad is a significant development, though the 21-year-old is unlikely to start at The Valley.
United have been without Peck since early December, when he suffered a calf injury, and his absence has been felt in the centre of midfield alongside fellow academy product Oliver Arblaster, who is still building back fitness after a 13-month layoff.
Tom Davies has also been in the treatment room, leaving United reliant on the inconsistent Djibril Soumare.
Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene has not featured for United since the goalless draw with QPR in early November, after damaging a hamstring on international duty later that month.
However, he has recently returned to training and is now available for selection, giving Wilder another option on the wing alongside Andre Brooks and Tahith Chong.
Speaking about reintegrating Peck, Ogbene, and others, Wilder said: “Listen, cards on the table, is Sydie going to start? No. Is he going to go and play 95, 96 minutes after being out for eight or nine weeks? No.
“So there are still players that we’re trying to ease back in, minutes-wise. Like Tom Davies, Sydie, Chieo [Ogbene]. Other players like that. But the others are good as gold, and they’re ready to rock and roll.”
Wilder also confirmed he will revert to a full-strength side at The Valley, after fitness issues forced him to make 10 changes for Sunday’s FA Cup defeat at home to Mansfield. He added: “But there were genuine issues, and players had to come out of the team to rest and recover and get themselves right. Well, they’ve done that and they’re right.
“We’ve got Cheio back as well and he’ll be involved in the squad. So that’s another good bit of news. Our injury record at the moment is pretty good, the availability for players is pretty good. And we’ve got pretty much a full hit to go down the road to Charlton.”
With Peck and Ogbene back in contention, and minutes being carefully managed, United are slowly strengthening their midfield and wide options ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
