Nightmare continues for injury-jinxed Sheffield United international as promotion-chasers cop blow plus an update on trio ahead of Sheffield Wednesday game

The Wales international has had a nightmare time with injuries over the past few years, but his latest issue is nothing to do with the serious hamstring problems which bedevilled him in the previous few seasons.

Norrington-Davies tweaked his groin in a block tackle on Tuesday, Wilder stated.

On Norrington-Davies, who has featured 17 times this term, Wilder, whose side welcome Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston on Saturday, said: "Rhys Norrington-Davies got injured for the under-21s, so that isn’t looking too good at the moment. His reaction to the injury as well.

"He’s had a scan and we have sent him down to the specialist, so he won’t be available, definitely for the next three games.

“Sometimes, you just need a little bit of luck. We have had it with other players. It’s a block tackle and he’s planted his right foot and it’s an innocuous block tackle that has just tweaked something in the groin area. It has not been a great period for him personally.”

Loanee Alfie Gilchrist, who recently returned to parent club Chelsea for treatment on an ankle problem, is due to return to the club on Monday, while fellow loan recruit Harry Clarke (foot) and Tom Davies (calf) are on track to return after the international break.

On Gilchrist, Wilder added: "He is progressing nicely and I believe Alfie is coming back up the road over the weekend and will be back available on Monday with us, so that’s good news and we will get him right.

"Whether he is ready for the last game before the international break (at Sheffield Wednesday)….If not, then I am sure he will potentially read for the Coventry game, which is good news.