With Sheffield United being without Max Lowe for a while, there is a huge opportunity for loanee Yasser Larouci to stake his claims for the starting left-wingback slot. Though, he will be up against an experienced player in Ben Osborn.
Lowe struggled against Nottingham Forest in more ways than one, he came into the game carrying a knock and he ended up giving the Reds a helping hand with their first goal.
The Frenchman came on in his place at halftime and made an impact in the second half, using his dribbling and running power to drive at Forest’s defence.
Paul Heckingbottom was asked by Yorkshire Live, in today’s pre-match press conference, if Lowe’s unfortunate injury has given Larouci an opportunity:
“Yeah it does. I am not saying he’s playing but an opportunity. Lowey is out. No point in hiding that. How long we don’t know yet. It depends on the route we go down, whether surgery or not. We’ll have to wait and see.” [Yorkshire Live]
Whilst it is bad news for Lowe, Larouci will be hoping to grab this chance with both hands as he looks to build on a good substitute appearance against Nottingham Forest.
Heckingbottom said: “You saw a good insight against Forest. He’s athletically good enough for the PL. I like it when he plays forward with an aggressive mindset and drives forward. We all saw that and that is his strength.”
Larouci was a standout player for Troyes last season, in a campaign that was eventually dampened after suffering relegation to Ligue 2. He will be up against a different proposition in Manchester City on Sunday, and he will be eager to help the Blades get points on the board.
