Sheffield United trio Oli Arblaster, Gus Hamer and Tahith Chong featured in a behind-closed-doors game this week. Their recovery steps up, confirms Chris Wilder.
Sheffield United are concentrating on improving their form and pulling clear of the relegation zone in the short term. However, SUFC remain committed to keeping its long-term vision intact.
With January on the horizon, a new phase of planning begins. The Blades will be assessing how their squad should shape up heading into the New Year. One thing that will help with that is the return of first-team players from injury.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Three key players are stepping up their recovery after spells out, according to Chris Wilder. He has confirmed that trio Oli Arblaster, Gus Hamer and Tahith Chong featured in a behind-closed-doors game this week.
The Blades faced a Liverpool U21 side in the game, and Wilder was pleased with the outcome. He said: “The attitude of the players is first class.
“Sometimes these games fizzle out, but it was a really competitive one. Thanking Rob Page for bringing his young Liverpool team over, we both got a lot out of it.
We got many valuable minutes into our players. The likes of Blaster, Gus Hamer, and Chong. Other boys that have not been involved as well.
“Just even watching them integrate into the group, we talked about it last week, when you get good players coming back into your group, the standard is lifted. Watching the behind-closed-doors game, which was a really good one, I was delighted.”
A welcome return for Chris Wilder and Sheffield United
Arblaster’s ACL injury meant his recovery was always going to be lengthy. However, it has been longer than anticipated. The staff at SUFC have supported him every step of the way, and the hope is that it fuels his determination to return stronger for his boyhood club.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Despite his age, Arblaster became a key figure and an emerging leader during his 2024 breakthrough. When he is fit again, Sheffield United will be hoping he can quickly reclaim that influence.
The academy graduate will have to fight to get back into the side, but his return is a welcome one. If anyone in the SUFC squad cannot stand the position the club is in right now, it is Blades supporter Arblaster.
Oliver Arblaster’s Sheffield United stats
Hamer and Chong face a real competition for their place
While players like Hamer and Chong will expect to be regular starters for SUFC, they are going to have issues getting their place back. Sheffield United have won their last three games, with their midfield and attack looking strong.
Callum O’Hare has been a massive player for Sheffield United this campaign. He has taken Hamer’s role either behind the striker or out wide left and run with it this season.
Whereas Chong is now behind the likes of Sydie Peck and Jairo Reidewald in the midfield. He may need to return to the right side of midfield to get back into the side. Andre Brooks has yet to really nail down that spot.