Updates in the Sheffield United injury room include Brewster, Fleck, and Norrington-Davies.
Sheffield United will be without a few players for some time, although there are encouraging signs surrounding Brewster and Fleck’s comeback.
Rhian Brewster has returned to Sheffield United training as he works his way back to full health after a hamstring operation. The striker was scheduled to have another scan yesterday to ensure that his rehabilitation is still on pace.
John Fleck is reportedly believed to have taken his first steps back on the grass following a fracture operation, and Rhys Norrington-Davies is recovering from a significant hamstring ailment.
Here is the most recent information from the Sheffield United treatment room regarding long-term injuries.
The striker has been out for 11 months after suffering a second hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over West Brom. He need surgery and is still recuperating. He has, however, been back on the grass since Portugal, completing solo training and, most lately, stepping up to participate in team practices.
However, given his struggles over the last two seasons, there is still a cautious approach to his comeback. He was scheduled for another scan yesterday to ensure he is still on track.
“He has another scan today [Thursday], which we hope goes well,” Paul Heckigbottom said. He’s been training, and we’re simply working our way through everything. He’s been doing a lot of work and training with us, and he’s eager to join in, but with his history, everyone is currently trying to protect him from himself and make sure every box is checked.
“The medical team has put the blinkers on to make sure he’s in the best possible condition.” As I previously stated, he has already trained with us, not because we have been protecting him and ensuring that he only accomplishes things that we approve of. That time, when we get him back properly, will hopefully come soon, but patience is required once again. That’s the part he’s skipped.”
John Fleck
After recovering from a fracture suffered last season, the midfielder suffered a second during a pre-season match against Girona. He reappeared for a brief time before going under the knife again in the encounter against Rotherham. He went through the operation again, but this time the pot was removed and he was back on the grass.
“He no longer has the pot on, and I believe he was out on the grass running today [Thursday],” Heckingbottom continued. “The medical team chose to have that pot on because of how well that similar injury healed.”
“He didn’t have the op and returned still trying to play with it, so it took a long time to heal.” He healed quickly after having the plate inserted, and we were able to get him back in shape and playing.”
Rhys Norrington-Davies
The defender, like Brewster, has been out for 11 months after suffering a catastrophic hamstring injury in October of last year that required surgery. His case is a little more ‘complicated,’ but he is still on the mend.
“He’s progressing, it’s a complex situation with Rhys, but he’s working hard,” Heckingbottom continued, “and they [medical staff] are getting him to a level now where they are really pleased.”
Daniel Jebbison is still out with a sickness and there is no timetable for his comeback, while Max Lowe had ankle ligament surgery after standing on a sprinkler at Derby in pre-season. Ben Osborn was similarly injured in the groin but did not require surgery.
Osborn and Lowe are expected to remain out for an extended period of time.