Sheffield United picked up an important three points away at Reading last night.
Sheffield United beat Reading 1-0 away from home last night. Iliman Ndiaye scored the only goal of the game, with Sheffield United’s lead over 3rd place Middlesbrough now restored to seven points. But the Senegalese striker was forced off soon after scoring his 11th Championship goal of the season, and Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom had this to say on Ndiaye:
“He’s had a whack receiving the ball, some contact from behind. Hoping it’s a dead leg. He’s got the ice on it now and we are hoping it settles down as soon as possible.”
Sheffield United have two tough games coming up in the Championship, with a home game v Luton Town on the agenda for this weekend, before a midweek trip to Sunderland. Sheffield United then face Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup quarter-final before the March international break.
Heckingbottom will be hoping that the upcoming break can see the likes of Rhys Norrington-Davies, Rhian Brewster, Enda Stevens and perhaps Ndiaye work their way back to full fitness ahead of the season run-in.
Up next…
Sheffield United take on Luton Town at Bramall Lane on Saturday. The Hatters go into this one in 5th place of the table and in decent form, compared to United who’ve been inconsistent of late.
Ndiaye now looks like a potential doubt for Saturday’s game and if he’s to miss out, it’ll be a really devastating blow for Sheffield United and their promotion credentials, with Ndiaye having arguably been their Player of the Season so far.
But his injury could potentially give someone like Ismaila Coulibaly a chance to be in and around the first-team, although Heckingbottom will want his more senior players to be fit and firing for what is a crunch match v Luton.
