“Not looking good…” – Sheffield United hit with major injury setback as Chris Wilder gives blunt ‘backward step’ update
Sheffield United have suffered a significant injury concern after influential midfielder Sydie Peck picked up a calf problem which, according to manager Chris Wilder, “doesn’t look good.” The ex-Arsenal youngster sat out his first match of the season in the 1–1 draw with Norwich City at Bramall Lane.
Peck was one of several players missing as Wilder was forced into eight changes, with injury and illness leaving the squad stretched. Jairo Riedewald and Sam McCallum were also unavailable due to illness, while Oliver Arblaster was rushed back earlier than planned, playing 60 minutes despite only just returning from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for over a year. Although Riedewald’s return would be a major boost ahead of Friday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion, Peck now appears doubtful based on Wilder’s post-match remarks.
“Yes, it isn’t looking good,” Wilder admitted. “He picked up a calf issue from the weekend going into Monday. I couldn’t take the risk of pushing Blaster beyond 60 minutes — that was his absolute maximum. Jairo would have started.”
Wilder went on to explain the wider selection challenges:
“It’s been incredibly tough deciding who to use from the bench, who could give us the spark we needed in the second half. It’s been difficult tactically as well.”
Elsewhere, Mark McGuinness continues treatment for the ankle injury he sustained after scoring in Saturday’s 4–0 win over Stoke City. Meanwhile, Gus Hamer and Tyrese Campbell were limited to late substitute appearances as the Blades attempt to navigate yet another congested period in the schedule.
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