Sheffield United’s Playoff Hopes Suffer Big Setback As Heckingbottom Provides Injury Update

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed that striker Rhian Brewster is likely to be out for the rest of the season.

The former Liverpool forward suffered a serious hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Peterborough United last month and Heckingbottom has now revealed the extent of the issue:

“That’s going to rule him out probably for the season. If he’s back before, it will be a bonus, but we’re not counting on that now, we’re just going to help him through it. He’s got his head around it, he’s going to work his socks off to get back and come back fitter and stronger – just like he did last time. I think everyone could see he was in a good place when he came back after the last injury, he fought back, working hard, fitness levels were higher, and we’ll want the same for him again when he comes back next time.”

Brewster had an operation yesterday and he will now step up his rehabilitation as he looks to get back on the training pitch as soon as possible.

With the Blades having offloaded both Lys Mousset and Oli Burke before the January transfer window closed, it means they will have limited options upfront for the remaining months of the campaign. It could seriously hamper their push for the playoffs.

One positive is the return of Daniel Jebbison from his loan spell at Burton Albion but, it will be a lot to ask of an 18-year-old to lead the line on a regular basis, so Heckingbottom is likely to rely on the experience of Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick and Oli McBurnie.