Sheffield United: Archie Gray & Sander Berge reach out to Ollie Arblaster after ruptured ACL reveal | OneFootball

The Blades' captain is set for a long time on the sidelines after getting injured against Sheffield Wednesday.

Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray and Fulham's Sander Berge have sent their condolences to Sheffield United youngster Oliver Arblaster after he was forced to undergo potentially season-ending knee surgery.

The young skipper ruptured his ACL in Sheffield United's last match against their city rivals, Sheffield Wednesday.

He was taken off at half-time after trying to play on, a decision that manager Chris Wilder revealed after the game was not one that Arblaster took lightly, and he had surgery on his injury over the international break.

The Star revealed on Friday morning that the surgery could lead to him not playing again this season, and Arblaster has since put an emotional message on social media confirming the setback, expressing his frustration at the situation.

Archie Gray and Sander Berge react to devastating Oliver Arblaster injury news

Arblaster took to Instagram to confirm his diagnosis, saying: "Earlier this week, I underwent successful surgery on my ruptured ACL, an injury I sustained during the game a few weeks ago.

"Now, it's time for me to focus on my rehabilitation and the long road to recovery-a journey I'm confident will make me stronger and more determined than ever to get back on the pitch.

"Words cannot express how devastated I am that my season is over. It's something I'm still trying to process and come to terms with, but I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. This is just a setback on my journey to reaching my goals in my career.

"Injuries like this are part of the game we love, but I'm fortunate to have an amazing support system of family and friends who will be with me every step of the way, helping me stay mentally strong through the highs and lows ahead.

"Lastly, I'm looking forward to cheering on the boys like I did as a fan, supporting them as they continue this great start to the season. I can't wait to be back doing what I love and playing in front of you, Blades!"

Based off the reaction his post has received, Arblaster is clearly very well-liked by his peers. Fellow starlet midfielder, and England youth team peer, Archie Gray replied to the 20-year-old's post with: "Speedy recovery mate ❤️."

Two former United players, Sander Berge and Billy Sharp, also sent messages of support. Berge offered up a simple comment of "🙏🏻❤️", while Sharp went down another route. "Remember what I said mate ❤️" replied the veteran forward.

Arblaster's current teammates also came out in their droves to wish him well in this difficult period. Vinicius Souza, who was brilliant in the Steel City derby, said: "Speedy recovery my brother ❤️."

Even the EFL got involved, with a considered response. "All the best with the recovery, Oli ❤️," from the footballing bodies official Instagram account.

Sheffield United: Chris Wilder reacts to Oli Arblaster injury news

The Blades' boss admitted that the captain is struggling to deal with what's currently happening to him, but Wilder said he won't be using Arblaster's absence as an excuse.

"He is obviously not in a great place mentally at the moment. But this is a test for him as a young player," said the United manager to the Yorkshire Post.

"For this to happen at this part of his career, he has to get over it and get on with it. As you can imagine, he’ll get all the support from everybody, but there will be a bit of tough love in there as well as he has to use the time diligently.

"But I am never going to have any excuses about anything. These things happen...

"We are going to miss a good player. But all the clubs are missing players. Leeds United have had their injury problems and other clubs have had. It’s how they get over it and get on with it and not use it as an excuse. We are not reliant on an 19 or 20-year-old boy for our success. It’s the sum of everything we all put together.

"We’ll take it month by month, but he certainly won’t play until after Christmas. If we get him back before the end of the season, that’s great. If not, he’ll be ready for next year."