Sheffield United set to remain without 'outstanding' star for Swansea City, Luton Town ties

Sheffield United have had a strong start to life back in the Championship, currently remaining as one of only two sides yet to be beaten in the second-tier. The Blades would be higher up the table had they not started in minus two points, but with four wins and three draws to their name, spirits are high at Bramall Lane nonetheless. Image courtesy of: MATTHEW CHILDS/REUTERS. Key to their early form has been midfielder Ollie Arblaster. The 20-year-old emerged as a regular in the first-team last year and has taken to the Championship like a duck to water too, netting twice from midfield. However, an injury has kept him out of the last two Sheffield United games, and that absence is set to extend it seems. Speaking ahead of the Tuesday night clash with Swansea City, Blades boss Chris Wilder appeared to suggest that Arblaster would not be back until after the international break. Prompted for an update regarding the starlet’s situation, the Sheffield United chief said to The Star: “No, not really. It’s week by week, really. “Let’s get through the international break and see how it is, leading up to the two big games after the break. It’s not ‘serious’ serious. We’ve got to cope with it, and I believe we will cope with it. “Sydie [Peck] has come in and played a part. Jamie Shackleton can play in there, Gus Hamer can play in there if we want to as well. It’s a tight squad and we have to cope and get over these mini setbacks. And show we are not just about one player and the team isn’t reliant on one player – even though he’s an outstanding young player.” There’s no hiding that someone of Arblaster’s ability is a miss for Sheffield United. However, thankfully, Wilder has got options that can come into the side and cover well. As the boss highlighted, Sydie Peck, another impressive academy graduate, has come into the team in midfield to take the place of Arblaster. Summer signing Jamie Shackleton is a contender for the starting berth too. Image courtesy of: SCOTT HEPPELL/REUTERS. The likes of Tom Davies and Ismaila Coulibaly are also on the books but they have been rarely seen. The versatile Andre Brooks can also play in midfield but is better when given more freedom to get forward in advanced or more attack-focused roles. Remaining patient With no timescale placed on Arblaster’s comeback just yet, it will be hoped he’s ready to go sooner rather than later. As Sheffield United seem to be aware of though, it’s important that they don’t rush the talented midfielder back. He’ll return to the side when he’s fit and ready to do so, and he’ll be a welcome boost when he does so. It could be after the international break when that day comes. Some challenging games against Leeds United and Middlesbrough follow shortly after the next round of international fixtures.