Significant Sheffield United injury blow emerges ahead of Coventry City clash | OneFootball

An update has been provided on Ollie Arblaster's fitness ahead of Sheffield United's visit to Coventry City

Ollie Arblaster may not play again for Sheffield United this season after suffering a knee injury against rivals Sheffield Wednesday prior to the internationa break.

According to the Sheffield Star, the midfielder’s participation in the rest of the campaign is in doubt after a scan revealed ligament damage, which he has undergone surgery to correct.

This will come as a huge blow to the Blades given how important the 20-year-old has become to Chris Wilder’s side since last season's loan stint at Port Vale.

Arblaster has featured in 12 of Sheffield United’s opening 15 fixtures this season, contributing two goals and one assist.

The midfielder has grown into an important part of the first-team squad over the last 12 months, having been recalled from loan from Vale Park last January before stepping into Wilder’s plans.

Ollie Arblaster injury blow emerges for Sheffield United

Arblaster was taken off at half-time in Sheffield United’s win in the Steel City derby earlier this month with a knee issue.

The midfielder reportedly went under the knife during the international break after scans revealed the extent of the damage.

It is now expected that he will be out long-term, with no specific timeframe given for a potential return.

However, Sheffield United are now concerned that he will not play for the club again this season, which will be a significant blow to their promotion hopes.

Arblaster has become a key part of Wilder’s first team plans in the last 12 months, playing 12 times in the Premier League last year after returning from his Port Vale stint, and even captained the Blades at Old Trafford against Man United.

The youngster made a strong start to the current campaign, bagging two goals in the opening three games of the campaign against Preston North End and Norwich City, respectively.

Most recently, he registered an assist in the team’s 2-1 win over Bristol City at the start of the month, and his absence will be a real blow to Wilder in United's bid for a top two spot this campaign.

Losing Arblaster for potentially the rest of the season is a massive, massive blow for Sheffield United.

The young midfielder has gone from strength to strength since becoming a part of the first-team squad last January, and has led to interest from the likes of Brighton, who are reportedly willing to pay in excess of £20 million for his services.

Sheffield United do not have the deepest of squads either, so any significant injury blows could have a really big knock-on effect on the rest of the team, and it will mean another youngster like Sydie Peck is now going to have to step up.

This further increases the need to invest in the squad in January, which could be tricky given the ownership situation behind the scenes - if the takeover is finalised though, then short-term cover for Arblaster is a must.