Ahead of the game between Sheffield United and Leeds United, Chris Wilder confirmed the dreaded Jack O’Connell news a potentially season-ending injury.
The Blades’ boss confirmed the news, telling BT Sport: “Jack O’Connell is possible out for the season and probably needs a knee operation. He tried to come back and then had to have a scan. We had to adjust pretty quickly, and he established himself in the Premier League last season. It is a huge blow for him and us.”
Chris Wilder Confirms O’Connell Injury News
Chance for Ethan Ampadu?
The news of O’Connell’s injury is undoubtedly a huge blow to Sheffield United’s season. But, as O’Connell suffers a season-ending injury, Ethan Ampadu has been handed a season making opportunity.
The young Chelsea loanee has slotted straight into the starting lineup to replace O’Connell against Leeds United and could become a permanent feature in the Blades’ lineup in the face of injury woes.
The injury news could even act as a blessing in disguise for Chris Wilder. Should he get the best out of Ampadu, he’ll have himself a top-quality centre-back ready to take the Premier League by storm on a consistent basis. A permanent move could even be on the cards should the Chelsea loanee impress those at Bramall Lane.
Avoiding Second Season Syndrome the Key
Last season, Sheffield United provided us all with one of the fairytale’s of the year by climbing the table and causing upsets all over the league. This season, however, now that the surprise factor is gone, they may struggle to replicate their previous fortunes.
Chris Wilder must avoid the often severe case of second season syndrome, and galvanise his side to the comforts of top-flight comforts for a second season running. Without O’Connell, it will be more difficult than ever, but the likes of Ampadu will undoubtedly step up to the plate in the defender’s absence.
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