Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has confirmed Paul Coutts is expected to return to first-team action by the beginning of next month.

The 30-year-old has been out with a broken leg since November 2017 after a challenge by striker Marvin Sordell in the 3-1 win over Burton Albion.

Coutts stepped up his recovery by playing for the Under 23s in the 2-1 victory over Charlton at Shirecliffe on Tuesday. Speaking yesterday, Wilder said that the midfielder still has work to do to get match fit:

“It was good for Paul that he played in an under-23 game on Tuesday. He played a decent chunk and will be involved next week in a couple of games with the under-23s. He will then play a behind-closed-doors game in the week after. After that, he will be ready to go and pushing for a first-team spot.”

The Blades boss was speaking ahead of United’s Championship game against Bristol City tomorrow. He revealed that striker Leon Clarke, who had missed the 4-1 demolition against Aston Villa with a hamstring injury, will be back in the squad for the trip to Ashton Gate.

Wilder also said that the six senior players who were on international duty, Dean Henderson, Ben Woodburn, Enda Stevens, Conor Washington John Egan and Oli Norwood all returned to the club without picking up any knocks.