Paul Heckingbottom finds himself in need of positivity and encouraging developments as his team faces challenges ahead of the upcoming Premier League opener.
Sheffield United’s squad isn’t ideal due to a combination of injuries, the departure of Iliman Ndiaye, and the potential absence of Sander Berge. Seven players are currently grappling with injuries or lagging behind in match fitness.
Jayden Bogle and Ismaila Coulibaly have been sidelined due to knee injuries, while Rhys Norrington-Davies and Rhian Brewster have been on a long path to recovery following hamstring surgery, but Brewster has now resumed full training. Furthermore, Daniel Jebbison, Oli McBurnie, and John Fleck have all joined the ranks of those receiving treatment during the pre-season period.
It has been confirmed by Heckingbottom that Jebbison has sustained a groin injury, while Fleck’s situation is more severe. He suffered a fractured leg during a friendly match against Girona and has undergone surgery to replace the metal plate in his leg.
The boss hoped for better news with McBurnie, who suffered a foot injury in training at the summer camp in Portugal. Since then, scans have revealed there were no broken bones, and now Heckingbottom is hoping the Scottish international can resume training in time for Palace, which would be “a huge bonus”.
