Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder provides update on Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Joe Rothwell ahead of Charlton
SHEFFIELD United chief Chris Wilder has reported mixed news on the injury front ahead of Saturday’s Championship trip to struggling Charlton Athletic.
Ninth-placed United, seeking their third successive victory after wins over Preston North End and Wrexham, welcome back Kalvin Phillips, who missed the 3-2 midweek success at Deepdale with an ankle issue.
Patrick Bamford, who has sat out the Blades’ last two matches with a shoulder problem, will be assessed this morning and a late call made before United head south.
But another former Leeds United player in Joe Rothwell won’t be involved at The Valley, with the schemer to undergo minor groin surgery which will sideline him for a few weeks.
On Phillips, Bamford and Rothwell, Wilder said: “We’ve got a late fitness test on Pat, but Kalvin is passed fit. He trained yesterday (Thursday).
"Kalvin is definitely on the train in London this afternoon and we will wait and see regarding Pat. He’s been out on the grass and doing some work. But the obvious one is the physical contract that he has to get through.
"It’s no good him being able to run around and check and turn and pass it without putting him through that final test. Fingers crossed, he’ll come through that and will travel with us.
"He’ll be involved in everything we do this morning and the decision will be left late.
"Kalvin’s performances have been really good and it coincides with us picking up a bit of speed and momentum as well. He’s been the heartbeat of that. We said all along about the impact he could potentially have and he has.
"The deal that was put together (to sign him) was an outstanding one and the player, first and foremost, wanted to come and play for me and our football club. He is fully all in, committed and producing the performances that are improving us, game by game.”
On Rothwell, he added: “Joe has got to have a minor op, which will keep him out until after the international break.
"He might miss the Watford/Southampton games. But the game afterwards, he will be available for selection.
"He just had a little ‘tweak’ in the groin area and he’s gone for a scan. It’s just a little ‘tidy up’ in that area.”