Other players are scheduled to return next week, including Vinicius Souza, who will return for Sheffield United’s Championship match against Oxford United.
As they aim for the championship and promotion to the Premier League, the midfielder’s return after missing the previous three games due to a hamstring injury is much-needed. He has been one of the Blades’ key players in 2024–25, despite being out of depth in the Premier League as he adapted to his debut season in English football.
Hamza Choudhury and Sydie Peck have both done well, but with seven high-pressure games in the last four weeks, it will be crucial to be able to switch things up. Without him, Jamie Shackleton, who is also back, and Oliver Arblaster, whose season ended in November, the Blades have had little choice but to play with these two players.
As I’ve stated a few times in relation to players, there are times to take chances and risks and times to be a little more smart. “Vini trained all week,” Wilder said. “He was on the verge of playing on Friday.
“And we took that decision. But to have Vini back is a massive boost, and we have Jamie Shackleton back too. Tom Davies will be back for Plymouth (on April 12), and Harry Clarke for Millwall (April 8)/Plymouth as well.”
Only two league starts have been made by midfielder/right-back Shackleton since he signed in the summer, and none since the team’s triumph over Plymouth Argyle in mid-December.
“For us to be in the situation where we only have Blaster and Rhys (Norrington-Davies) as long-term injuries is a great achievement,” Wilder stated. “I go into great detail on the players’ recuperation and readiness to put themselves in a favourable position.
“Injuries will occur from now until the conclusion of the season, but we want to reduce them. We’re working around the clock and are all focused. To be honest, we’re always doing that, but we’re stepping outside of our comfort zones to give the players the best chance to win football games.
“We’ve had a couple of totting-up suspensions, but we’ve only had one sending-off (Anel Ahmedhodzic, against Coventry City).” “We talk about things that will derail our charge or progression or journey, and discipline is one. Injuries is another, but from that point of view, we’re in a good place. We’re in a good spot and hopefully we can carry on in the same way in the last seven games.” Leeds and Burnley depart home Saturday at 12.30 p.m., with the Blades game starting at 3 p.m.
