Walsall v Sheffield United: Defensive crisis as Blades look to plug gaps

The Blades have lost their entire first-choice back four ahead of tonight’s trip to Walsall.

Matt Lowton and Harry Maguire are suspended, Lecsinel Jean Francois is ruled out by a knee injury and Neill Collins is unavailable due to family matters.

Assistant manager Frank Barlow said: “It is just ironic that we have lost them all within 48 hours. We have now got to put on our thinking caps and and either play people out of position or get someone in.”

The Blades have been short of defensive cover all season with captain Chris Morgan ruled out following knee surgery and both Andy Taylor and Johnny Ertl sidelined until the last few weeks.

Left-back Marcus Williams is available again after a hamstring strain but former Scottish international David Weir, who was training with the club as a free agent, opted to take a player-coaching role with Everton.

Teenage centre-back Terry Kennedy, a member of the team that reached last season’s FA Youth Cup final, could be thrust into the spotlight if Wilson is unable to strengthen.

Midfielder Nick Montgomery is also an option at right-back if he can shake off a calf injury.

The Blades finished Saturday’s game against Oldham with striker Richard Cresswell and midfielder Michael Doyle playing as makeshift defenders.

“Circumstances have completely devastated our back four,” admitted Barlow. “But we have to look at it calmly. We have got a lot of strikers – so it should be entertaining!

“We are looking at the loan market and within our own squad,” he added. “We hope it is likely that we can bring someone in and, fortunately, you can sign players up to three hours before kick-off.

“Of course, we are light in defence. We are attempting to cover certain positions but every club is the same. Certainly, we could do with reinforcement. An addition would be very helpful. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

The Blades suffered a second defeat in three games when squandering a two-goal advantage against Oldham.

Tonight’s opponents are one point adrift of safety and Barlow said: “It’s going to be a very difficult game for us because they are a team fighting for their lives.

“We have got to get our heads right quickly after throwing it away on Saturday.

“What happened was beyond expectations. Anything that could go wrong, did go wrong when really the game should have been done and dusted. We regret it, we are disappointed and annoyed but at least we have an early opportunity to put things right.”

Last six games: Walsall LLWWDD, Blades WWWLWL.

Last time: Walsall 0 Blades 1, April 24, 2004, Division One.

Referee: G D Scott (Oxfordshire).