Chris Wilder, the manager of Sheffield United, is worried about “the worst” as the team awaits scan results after Socceroos defender Harry Souttar was hurt.
After the Blades’ 2-0 loss to Burnley at Bramall Lane on Friday morning (AEDT), Wilder made a concerning statement when questioned about Souttar.
Late in the game, Souttar had to be assisted off the field after clearing a ball after being heavily touched, leaving him laying on the turf.
That didn’t seem good, but we’ll have it scanned and examined over the course of the following day.
“He’s a brave boy and a big old boy, but that didn’t look good.”
Although it’s unclear if Souttar’s knee or ankle is the problem, Wilder’s choice to discuss it has raised questions about how long the 26-year-old would be sidelined.
Sheffield United has been contacted by Fox Sports Australia for a statement.
After rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during a World Cup qualifying match against Saudi Arabia in Sydney in November 2021, Souttar has already recovered from one major professional setback in recent years.
Only a year and a half later, he returned to play a key role in the national team’s 2022 World Cup journey to the round of 16.
After obtaining a loan transfer from Premier League struggling Leicester City in August, Souttar has been playing exceptionally well this season.
With 21 of Sheffield United’s 23 games played in the second-tier Championship so far this season, the massive center-half has been a consistent starter under Wilder. Sheffield United is currently ranked second on goal differential alone, behind Leeds United.
They are vying for promotion to the top flight, and the loss to Burnley was only their third of the season.
Numerous well-known Socceroos are now out. In late September, 21-year-old centre back Alessandro Circati suffered an ACL tear while exercising with his Italian Serie A team, Parma. It is not anticipated that striker Kusini Yengi, who injured his knee against Bahrain in November during the previous international window, will return to action for Championship team Portsmouth until mid-February.
The Socceroos won’t play in the World Cup until late March of the following year.
On Thursday, March 20, they play Indonesia in Sydney. Five days later, they go to play China. Both games have a must-win structure.
In Group C, the competition for second place behind dominant leaders Japan is fierce.
That spot is presently held by Australia, although Tony Popovic’s team is only one point ahead of a trailing group of four, with Indonesia at the head. Teams that place in the top two during this qualifying round will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
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