Patrick Bamford won’t play against Middlesbrough on Monday evening
Sheffield United’s Patrick Bamford (second left) celebrates with his team mates after scoring (Image: PA)
Sheffield United have suffered a major injury blow ahead of Middlesbrough’s visit to Bramall Lane on Monday evening, with Chris Wilder confirming that Patrick Bamford will miss the game through injury.
The striker, who held talks with Boro over a potential third spell at the club in January as his previous Sheffield United deal reached its conclusion, has been ruled out through injury after missing Tuesday night’s victory over Oxford United.
Bamford joined the Blades on a free transfer in November. He’s enjoyed great form at Bramall Lane, scoring six goals in 12 appearances to catch the attention of both Boro and Ipswich Town as his initial short-term deal came to an end last month.
In the end, both promotion-chasing clubs felt the package wanted was too much and he signed an extended deal at Sheffield United. But ahead of a reunion with Boro, the 32-year-old has suffered an injury that will force him to miss Monday’s mouth-watering clash.
Wilder confirmed: “We lost Pat yesterday – he might be a couple or three weeks – which was a big blow to us because we can go a little bit more direct, which we’d like to have done.”
Though Bamford will be absent, Wilder is still able to call upon either Tom Cannon and Tyrese Campbell in his Blades squad. It was the former who started on Tuesday against Oxford, as Wilder’s side still managed a 3-1 win over Oxford.
Though neither Cannon nor Campbell scored, Sheffield United succeeded in coming from behind to win, ensuring their solid home record continued ahead of Boro’s visit. They’ve not lost at Bramall Lane since a defeat to Derby County on November 1. They’ve now scored three or more goals in their last five consecutive home games too.
And while they won’t have Bamford available, Wilder could hand a debut to former England international Kalvin Phillips, who joined on loan from Manchester City on deadline day.
Wilder said: “Kalvin doesn’t need any help. He’s had a brilliant career and I’m not there to rub his head. I’ve got to say he’s in good shape. He just needs to get into a rhythm.
“He’ll get opportunities, but maybe two, three or four games, to get himself back going again. He’s impressed everybody with his attitude already, even though he’s only been in the building for 24 hours.”
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