Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder reveals 'fabulous' update on captain Ollie Arblaster

Similarly, his presence in the stands at Ashton Gate to provide moral support in the Blades’ play-off semi-final first leg was due to be as well.

The young captain is progressing well in his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in the Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday last November and has now reached another milestone.

Boss Chris Wilder said: "It’s a nine-month injury and for the young man’s development and future, we cannot rush these things. But he’s in a fabulous place.

"We have had to deal with some big losses. (Harry) Souttar was a big loss for us at the time and Blaster was as well.

"But we have overcome those; just as the majority of the team have to overcome injuries.

"To get him back; he’s a huge player was fabulous last year and at the start of the season, he was a main player for us.

"When he’s ready, he’s ready. But he is in a good place and it’s good to see him smiling and back out there on the grass and working hard in terms of getting closer to a return to training.”

While Arblaster’s injury understandably represented an untimely blow for United in the middle of the park, Wilder has been delighted by the way in which his midfield team-mate Sydie Peck has stepped up in his absence and assumed more responsibility.

Wilder added: "We recovered pretty well. Maybe Arblaster’s injury opened the door to Sydie, who has come in and been our young player of the year.

"One player’s misfortune is another’s gain.

"We are not relying on one player.

"We have had some players out for periods of time and coped incredibly well and wouldn’t have got the 92 points we’ve had if we were relying on one or two players.

"It’s big blows for them, more than anything.”

Following Thursday night’s first-leg at Bristol City, United return to action for the second pivotal instalment against the Robins at Bramall Lane on Monday evening.

The game kicks off at 8pm as the Blades seek to progress to a Wembley final against either Coventry City or Sunderland on May 24.