Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom has described the injury crisis at the club as a 'nightmare' amid the battle to stay in the Premier League.This week, the club lost more key players to injuries during the international break.
The injury crisis, coupled with the club's woeful form in the league, has compounded the situation even further.
This evening, Manchester United heads to Bramall Lane to try and salvage their season. This comes on the back of Sheffield United's 8-0 loss to Newcastle a few weeks prior.
They will be without Chris Basham, Ireland captain John Egan, and Tom Davis for the clash at 8 pm later this evening.Club captain Egan missed Ireland's double fixture against Greece and Gibraltar last week.
Heckingbottom has claimed the injuries to players like Egan is derailing any progress the club has tried to make this campaign.
"It's a nightmare. Because we were behind in terms of squad numbers when we started the season, I felt we were just getting to the point where we had made the signings by the end of the window and we were getting there," Heckingbottom said.
🏥 Chris Basham
❌ John Egan
❌ Tom Davies
Paul Heckingbottom says it’s been a “nightmare” of a week in regards to squad fitness for Sheffield United. 🤕 pic.twitter.com/9Utqq21qzC— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 19, 2023
"The last international break we had three injuries, and now we have had these three. It sort of puts us back to square one a little bit. If we are honest, it's far from ideal, but we have been here before. It is an opportunity for others, and we have to use that.
"What is hurting us is the length of the injuries. We still have people out from last season, and now there are these injuries, that's what's hurting us."
Despite this, the Englishman admits there is nothing they can do about the situation and will have to focus on the task at hand, which is keeping themselves in the Premier League.
"But there is nothing we can do about that until January. We can't lose any focus; it's all about getting through these next few months until January when we can do something about it," he added.
"The blow for us is how long certain people have been out.
"It is across the board, and I am frustrated by it. You ask questions and point the finger because we can't accept it being across the board because there are clubs who are better off, so imagine the advantage they have got over us."
The game starts at 8pm later this evening.
