Fri Apr 22, 2022 7:21 am
Billy Sharp fit for Cardiff clash
Sheffield United will welcome veteran striker Billy Sharp back for this weekend's clash with Cardiff in a huge boost to the Blades.
The striker has missed the last five matches, he has not played since March 19 against Barnsley, but as they look to secure a play-off spot, his return will be a positive for Paul Heckingbottom's men. The manager did add that Oli McBurnie has damaged his ligament and fractured his foot.
"Some good news regarding George [Baldock] and Bill they will be fine. Bad news regarding Oli McBurnie, there is ligament damage and some fractures in his foot We will have to look into that to see if he needs surgery but it's still going to be months rather than weeks. It's a blow for us and a blow for Oli.
"The sensible thing would be to manage [Sharp]. He's not going to churn out 90 minutes straight away. I'm more concerned when players are coming back with muscle injuries. He's an important player for us on and off the pitch and has had a role to play but big thing for me is his goals."
Speaking about the challenge the Bluebirds will pose this weekend, Heckingbottom added: "They have changed the way they play. They are still a direct threat and tough, they have scored the most headed goals by a long long way, so they've still got that in the team.
"But they've picked a lot more players with energy around that and they are trying to play a bit more football and in that respect they are really dangerous because they are playing with a freedom."