Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has revealed that Rhian Brewster has suffered a major hamstring injury.

The Blades boss did not put a timescale on the former Liverpool player’s return but he did say that the forward could be out for a while:

“He’s significantly injured his hamstring. Same leg, different injury we’ll have to do without him for a bit. That’s what makes it more frustrating for him. He’ll get more of these injuries, it’s part and parcel of the game it’s the worst thing to happen because it can be lonely and you’re helpless to get in the team but he’ll come back fitter and stronger.”

It’s really bad luck for Brewster. Although he hasn’t always been a regular starter this season, he has begun to find his feet in recent weeks, having contributed a goal against Luton Town just eleven days ago.

Serious hamstring injuries can keep you out for months, but it will be hoped that he won’t be sidelined for as long as Sander Berge has been previously.

As Heckingbottom says, these sorts of injuries can happen, especially to someone like Brewster who relies on his speed, but you do feel that this latest setback will hit the player hard, especially considering he has been trying to establish himself as a first-team regular.

With the January transfer window closed, United can’t replace Brewster, so they may have to mount their challenge for a playoff spot without him.